India’s historic AI Impact Summit 2026 sees overwhelming public turnout, record student pledges, extended expo days, and global leaders converging to boost inclusive AI innovation.
The India AI Impact Expo, running alongside the Summit, saw such overwhelming interest that the Government amended the schedule to keep exhibition halls open later and on an extra day. (Photo: Social Media)
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, has shattered expectations with massive public and student turnout, sparking optimism about India’s future in artificial intelligence. The five-day event, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew thousands of visitors, including students, innovators, industry experts, and global leaders. Organisers extended the expo till 21 February 2026 to accommodate the extraordinary crowd and enthusiasm generated by attendees.
Despite a few organisational challenges on the first day, the summit has already become one of the most talked-about tech events of the year, positioning India as a rising hub for AI research, adoption, and collaboration.
The India AI Impact Expo, running alongside the Summit, saw such overwhelming interest that the Government amended the schedule to keep exhibition halls open later and on an extra day. Organisers also extended operational hours until 8 PM to allow more students and visitors to experience the exhibits after regular business hours.
This move came after organisers reported an influx of visitors, especially young learners, forcing periodic adjustments to entry procedures and traffic around the venue.
A standout moment came with an unprecedented achievement, where over 2,50,946 students pledged to use artificial intelligence responsibly within 24 hours, far surpassing the original target. This collective action earned recognition in the Guinness World Records, underlining the depth of interest among India’s youth in shaping AI’s ethical future.
Auditorium overflowed with young people eager to listen and learn about AI at India AI Impact Summit.
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) February 17, 2026
The enthusiasm and eagerness convinces me that India is soon going to be a superpower in AI.
But we need to look at AI from an Indian point of view. Just like we looked at… pic.twitter.com/gd80fDylRb
The pledge drive highlighted how AI is no longer an abstract concept but a dynamic topic engaging young Indians at scale. For many visitors, the Summit became a platform to envision how AI can change lives, from education and healthcare to governance and everyday services.
Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has actively demonstrated how technology and innovation can serve 1.4 billion citizens through initiatives like India DPI. India does not treat technology as just research or experimentation, but it uses tech as a powerful engine to transform governance, strengthen democracy, accelerate economic growth, and build public trust.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has reportedly attracted more than 300,000 attendees, far higher than typical global tech conferences, clearly showing that Indians see themselves as stakeholders in the Prime Minister’s Digital and AI-driven vision for the future. Although the event faced crowd management issues on the first day, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team took responsibility and apologised.
India under PM @narendramodi ji has demonstrated to the world how tech and innovation can be harnessed for the benefit of 1.4 billion India via #IndiaDPI.
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) February 18, 2026
Tech is not just abt research, innovation as far as India is concerned. Tech has driven and drives real transformation in… pic.twitter.com/gs4eApZ8Na
The unexpected surge in young visitors reflected strong enthusiasm among students eager to participate in shaping India’s AI future. Despite minor organisational gaps, the Summit has firmly established itself as a key milestone in advancing the #IndiaTechade and driving the country’s next wave of digital transformation.
The Summit brought together significant global representation, including leaders from over 100 countries and influential names from the tech industry. CEOs, innovators, and policymakers participated in high-level discussions, collaboration forums, and joint roundtables aimed at building responsible and inclusive AI frameworks.
Key figures from leading companies engaged with Indian officials, reinforcing partnerships that could accelerate India's AI innovation ecosystem. These interactions underline India’s ambition to become a global AI hub, bridging innovation with inclusive development.
Glad to be in India and participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026 @narendramodi
— Александар Вучић (@predsednikrs) February 17, 2026
President of Serbia writes: AI Summit places India at the centre of the global discourse | The Indian Express https://t.co/4vmA2TMujx
The Summit doubled as a showcase of India’s growing AI infrastructure. More than 300 exhibition pavilions featured breakthrough solutions from startups, academic institutions, and multinational companies, organised across thematic zones such as People, Planet, and Progress.
Participants and visitors saw AI applications ranging from smart healthcare and precision agriculture to sustainable industry innovations. Many young tech enthusiasts said this was their first up-close experience with real-world AI technologies, an experience that has moved AI from imagination into practical understanding.
Across the expo halls, the excitement was palpable. Students lined up for workshops, interactive demos, and sessions with global experts. Many shared how witnessing cutting-edge AI applications inspired their career aspirations. One attendee said the energy in the venues convinced them that India was poised to become a leading force in AI innovation.
Fun fact: the number of attendees at the @SarvamAI launch at the #IndiaAISummit2026 is higher than the total number of attendees at the entire AI Summit in Paris in 2025! pic.twitter.com/P3tYXS9Cpk
— Rajan Anandan (@RajanAnandan) February 18, 2026
Yet, some logistical hiccups, such as long queues and crowding, highlighted areas for improvement for future editions. Still, the overall sentiment from students and first-time visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with excitement about new possibilities opening up.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed attendees and emphasised the value of human-centric and ethical AI development, noting that practical applications should be a priority across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
These comments reinforce India’s approach to AI, not just as a technology trend but as a tool for real societal impact aligned with national development goals. This perspective resonates with young professionals eager to apply AI in solving everyday challenges.
A major theme throughout the Summit was the idea that AI must be shaped by local realities, particularly in a diverse society like India’s. Many speakers reinforced that Western models may not directly translate to local contexts. Instead, India’s development path for AI should focus on inclusive access and breaking barriers for underserved communities.
My comments on the AI Summit (said something similar on my panel yesterday):
— Nikhil Pahwa (@nixxin) February 17, 2026
A summit like this, with this much bandwidth allocated to it by the government, even if the agenda is flat, even if organizing is poor, ends up making AI a priority focus for ministries and state…
This philosophy reflects a broader ambition: to democratise AI and ensure it serves citizens from all backgrounds, not just elite tech hubs.
With world leaders, thought leaders, and global firms participating, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 marked a crucial milestone in international AI cooperation. While some organisational challenges occurred, the event’s scale and engagement levels demonstrated strong momentum for India’s AI ecosystem.
The Summit has helped embed AI in the national conversation far beyond technology circles, into education, innovation, public service, and economic strategy. Students, startups, and tech professionals are now actively imagining new AI horizons, and this collective energy could help accelerate India’s vision for a digitally empowered, AI-driven future.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 not only highlighted India’s technological capacity but also ignited public imagination about the role AI can play in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous society. The overwhelming turnout, global engagement, and record-setting achievements underscore a turning point in how Indians engage with artificial intelligence, from curiosity to active participation in innovation.
