India is set to host a major global event, the AI-Impact Summit, from February 16 to 20, 2026. Representatives from over 100 countries will participate in the summit to discuss critical issues including AI policy, innovation, ethics, security, and international cooperation. The primary objective of this gathering is to make Artificial Intelligence accessible for the benefit of the general public.
Focus On Strategic Global Cooperation
The summit is built upon three core pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. This framework ensures that AI development remains beneficial to humanity, environmentally sustainable, and a driver of global advancement. According to sources, the selection of participating nations was based on strategic and policy-related standards. India aims to strengthen partnerships with countries committed to the responsible, secure, and human-centric development of AI. The summit will also explore how AI can address global challenges in healthcare, education, climate change, and economic growth.
Pakistan Excluded From Invite List
A significant point of international discussion is the decision to exclude Pakistan from the summit's invitation list. While the Indian government has not released a detailed official reason for this move, it is being viewed as a part of India's strategic diplomacy. Sources indicate that invitations were extended based on India's strategic priorities and a shared vision for "Responsible AI." India is focusing on aligning with nations that share a common commitment to the safe and ethical evolution of technology.
World Leaders And Tech Giants To Attend
Several heads of state and government leaders from Europe, America, the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Gulf regions are expected to attend following personal invitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, ministerial-level delegations from more than 45 countries will participate, turning the event into a massive global platform.
Prominent figures from the technology sector, including Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI), Jensen Huang (Nvidia) and Elon Musk, are likely to be in attendance. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with senior officials from various international organisations, is also expected to participate.
List Of Key International Dignitaries
According to Navbharat Times, at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the following heads of state and government will attend:
| Country | Dignitary | Designation |
| Bhutan | Tshering Tobgay | Prime Minister |
| France | Emmanuel Macron | President |
| Brazil | Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva | President |
| UAE | Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan | Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi |
| Spain | Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón | President |
| Sri Lanka | Anura Kumara Disanayaka | President |
| Netherlands | Dick Schoof | Prime Minister |
| Finland | Petteri Orpo | Prime Minister |
| Greece | Kyriakos Mitsotakis | Prime Minister |
| Mauritius | Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam | Prime Minister |
| Switzerland | Guy Parmelin | President |
| Serbia | Aleksandar Vučić | President |
| Slovakia | Peter Pellegrini | President |
| Croatia | Andrej Plenković | Prime Minister |
| Estonia | Alar Karis | President |
| Kazakhstan | Olzhas Bektenov | Prime Minister |
| Guyana | Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo | Vice President |
| Bolivia | Edmand Lara Montano | Vice President |
| Seychelles | Sebastien Pillay | Vice President |
| Liechtenstein | Hereditary Prince Alois | Hereditary Prince |
Objectives Of Summit
India has clarified that the AI-Impact Summit is intended to be more than just a showcase for technology. It aims to foster concrete cooperation in policy-making, investment, the startup ecosystem, and the establishment of international standards. The event will feature ministerial sessions, expert panel discussions, startup showcases and bilateral meetings to drive these goals forward.