People, Planet, Progress’: India positions itself as global AI bridge at landmark summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on Monday, framing it as a defining moment for India’s emergence as a trusted global AI leader. As the five-day event entered its second day on Tuesday, the venue buzzed with unprecedented international participation.

The expo showcases 600 startups and 13 country pavilions, drawing delegates from over 100 countries and 20 heads of state and government, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Anchored in India’s three “Sutras” — People, Planet and Progress — the agenda emphasises ethical, sustainable and inclusive AI governance. Core deliberations focus on bridging the global digital divide, ensuring AI serves humanity rather than widening inequalities, and creating frameworks for responsible innovation amid intensifying US-China tech rivalry.

On Tuesday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched two transformative initiatives: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) and the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH), signalling India’s intent to lead in sector-specific AI applications.

Analysts view the summit as a sophisticated diplomatic masterstroke. By convening both Western and Global South leaders, India is positioning itself as a neutral bridge-builder in AI governance — an alternative to fragmented regulatory approaches elsewhere. Indian startups see it as a gateway to foreign capital and collaborations, while international observers praise New Delhi’s “human-first” philosophy as a timely counter to purely commercial or military-driven AI models.

Day-one heavy crowds caused logistical delays, yet underscored massive domestic enthusiasm. Over the next three days, expect concrete outcomes: bilateral MoUs, joint research pacts and commitments to open-source AI tools.

For India, the summit is strategically vital. It accelerates the country’s transition from IT services giant to AI innovation powerhouse, enhances geopolitical leverage and cements its role in shaping equitable global technology norms for decades ahead.