ISTANBUL

India began hosting the five-day AI (artificial intelligence) Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Monday, with delegates from over 30 countries expected to participate.

“Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on US social media company X on Monday.

“I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit,” Modi added.

He said that the theme of the summit is “welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress.”

Over 10,000 police officers have been stationed at and around the summit venue, as well as at important locations across the national capital, according to the Press Trust of India.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are among the dozens of leaders expected to attend the event that takes place from Feb. 16 to 20.

The summit is anticipated to attract delegates from more than 30 countries, ministers, senior officials, foreign dignitaries, and representatives of international organizations, as well as global technology firms, startups, academia, and research institutions.