Highlights of India AI Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at the expansive Bharat Mandapam, has been extended by a day due to overwhelming interest from participants. IT Secretary S. Krishnan announced this extension, emphasizing India’s growing role in artificial intelligence technology. The summit features a diverse array of delegates from around the world, highlighting the nation's ambition to become a leader in the AI sector.
One of the standout participants is Sarvam AI, a Bengaluru-based startup that has unveiled AI models designed specifically for the Indian context. These models can be used through voice commands in 22 Indian languages, catering to a vast population that predominantly does not use English. This innovation is considered a significant competitive advantage in a nation of 1.45 billion people.
Moreover, Microsoft has declared plans to invest $50 billion by 2030 to enhance AI access in the Global South, addressing the widening gap in AI adoption between the Global North and South. Microsoft Vice Chairman Brad Smith emphasized that, without urgent action, the AI divide could exacerbate existing economic disparities.
However, the summit has not been without controversy. Galgotias University faced backlash for showcasing a Chinese robotic dog as its own, leading to its removal from the event. The university claimed it never misrepresented the robot, but the incident raised concerns about authenticity and transparency in the exhibition.
Notable figures like Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis attended the summit, discussing the future of AI and the potential for a transformative era in scientific discovery. Despite ongoing challenges, the event remains a pivotal moment for AI development in India, illustrating both the opportunities and hurdles that lie ahead.
As the summit continues, it serves as a platform for dialogue about the future of AI technology, its accessibility, and the ethical considerations surrounding its rapid growth. With increasing participation from global leaders, the India AI Impact Summit is set to shape the narrative of AI in India and beyond.
