Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi
In a landmark moment underscoring India’s growing stature in the global artificial intelligence landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. The event marks the opening of a major five-day showcase running from February 16 to 20, held alongside the prestigious India AI Impact Summit, positioning India as a key player in shaping responsible and inclusive AI development worldwide.
The inauguration ceremony highlighted India’s ambition to harness AI for transformative change, both domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Modi, addressing a gathering of innovators, researchers, startup founders, technology leaders, and international delegates, emphasized the immense promise of artificial intelligence when powered by Indian talent and ingenuity. He described the expo as a vibrant demonstration of the nation’s innovative ecosystem, where cutting-edge solutions are being developed to address real-world challenges.
“Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation,” PM Modi said during the event. In a subsequent post on X (formerly Twitter), he reiterated this vision: “Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!”
The expo serves as a dynamic platform featuring over 600 high-potential Indian startups alongside 13 country pavilions, showcasing international collaborations in the AI ecosystem. More than 300 exhibitors from India and over 30 countries are participating across thematic pavilions, displaying advancements in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, sustainable development, and ethical AI governance. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and emerging technologies that reflect India’s push toward “Responsible Intelligence” under the guiding theme of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” — for the benefit and happiness of all.
Prior to the formal inauguration, Prime Minister Modi actively engaged with participants, touring multiple exhibition pavilions and interacting directly with startups, researchers, and tech leaders. These hands-on interactions underscored his personal commitment to fostering an environment where AI innovation thrives responsibly. Reports from the venue described the atmosphere as electric, with displays ranging from AI-driven public infrastructure solutions to groundbreaking research prototypes.
The India AI Impact Expo 2026 aligns with the broader India AI Impact Summit (primarily February 19–20), which is the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The summit aims to forge a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration, bringing together heads of state, ministerial delegations, tech executives, and policymakers. Organizers anticipate around 250,000 visitors, including 20 national leaders and 45 ministerial-level representatives, discussing critical issues like job disruption from automation, child safety in the digital age, ethical frameworks, and inclusive growth.
This initiative builds on India’s robust digital public infrastructure, vibrant startup ecosystem, and significant investments in AI research. The government has positioned the event as a milestone in its vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, where AI drives equitable progress and positions the nation as a leader rather than a follower in the global tech race.
As the expo opens to the general public from February 17, it promises to inspire a new generation of innovators while reinforcing India’s role in ensuring AI benefits humanity as a whole. With Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration setting an optimistic tone, the India AI Impact Expo 2026 is poised to catalyze partnerships, ideas, and solutions that extend far beyond borders.
