The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has received a strong global response and is shaping up to be one of the largest AI gatherings worldwide, according to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. Addressing a high-level press conference ahead of the Summit, he said India’s AI ecosystem is developing in a systematic, deployment-led manner with a clear focus on real-world applications.The press conference, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, outlined key milestones as India prepares to host the first global AI summit in the Global South from 16–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was attended by Minister of State Jitin Prasada, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood, and senior officials.Shri Vaishnaw said leading IT companies have developed more than 200 sector-specific AI models, many of which are proposed to be launched during the Summit. He added that nearly USD 70 billion has already been invested in the AI infrastructure layer, with potential for this to double by the end of the Summit. AI talent development will also be expanded by extending AI infrastructure and industry-aligned curricula to 500 universities.During the briefing, MeitY launched a compendium titled ‘The Impact Agenda: Leadership Reflections’, featuring insights from around 60 industry experts on the future of AI and its role in inclusive growth and innovation.Secretary, MeitY S. Krishnan said the Summit aims to democratise AI and ensure its benefits reach a broad section of society. He noted that all seven thematic working groups anchored around People, Planet and Progress have completed deliberations, while seven regional AI Impact Conferences and over 480 pre-Summit events have helped ground national AI priorities in regional contexts.The Summit week will feature more than 500 curated events, including the AI Impact Expo with over 840 exhibitors. Participation has been confirmed from 15 Heads of State or Government, over 40 Ministers, 100+ CEOs and CXOs, and leading global technology companies, reinforcing India’s push for safe, trusted and inclusive AI adoption.