The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by MeitY under the IndiaAI Mission, is India’s landmark global AI event from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Discover dates, venue details and more.
New Delhi: With just days to go, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to position New Delhi as a global hub for artificial intelligence discussions. Hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, this landmark event will draw over 1.5 lakh participants, including world leaders and tech titans. As hotel prices soar and traffic preparations intensify, here’s everything you need to know—from venue details and key attendees to registration, skyrocketing accommodation costs, and how to navigate the city.
What is the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and Why is it Happening?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a five-day global conference aimed at shaping AI for humanity, inclusive growth, and a sustainable future. As the first major AI summit in the Global South, it transitions from dialogue to actionable impact, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit.
Guided by three foundational “Sutras”—People (people-centric innovation), Planet (environmental safeguarding), and Progress (inclusive economic and social growth)—the summit focuses on global AI cooperation, data governance, diversified AI architectures, and sector-specific deployments. It emphasizes responsible governance and market-driven innovation, bringing together governments, tech firms, researchers, and policymakers to foster AI that serves humanity and promotes sustainability.
Key Dates, Venue, and What’s Special About This Year’s Summit
The summit will take place from February 16 to 20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, one of India’s top international conference venues.
The main summit sessions will be held on February 19 and 20, while the AI Impact Expo will run throughout the five days.
Major highlights include:
• Thematic pavilions
• Policy discussions and industry sessions
• AI Impact Expo showcasing real-world AI solutions
• Global Challenges offering prizes of up to INR 6 Crores for women-led teams and young innovators, along with mentorship and international exposure
Key exhibitors include:
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Booths 5F5 & 5F9), showcasing AI tools like SabhaSaar, PRAMAN, and eGramSaathi
• Bharat Electronics Limited, presenting defense AI solutions
• KritiKal Solutions, demonstrating AI solutions with AWS
The event will cover areas like governance, agriculture technology, and sustainability. Both public and closed-door sessions will focus on emerging technologies and AI for social good.
Who is Attending: World Leaders, Tech CEOs, and Delegates
The summit will host heads of state from 20 nations, including PM Narendra Modi (inaugurating) and French President Emmanuel Macron (addressing on February 19), alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres and ministerial delegations from over 45 countries. Global tech heavyweights include Sam Altman (OpenAI), Sundar Pichai (Google), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Dario Amodei (Anthropic), Arthur Mensch (Mistral AI), and Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind).
Indian industry leaders attending are Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons), Nandan Nilekani (Infosys), Sunil Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises), K. Krithivasan (TCS), Salil Parekh (Infosys), and Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCL Tech). A high-level US-India Business Council delegation of American CEOs will also participate, emphasizing bilateral tech ties. With over 1.5 lakh registrations, including 10,000 international delegates from 30+ countries and 35,000+ from 100+ nations, it’s one of Delhi’s largest gatherings in recent years.
How to Register: Eligibility, Process, and Deadlines
The summit is open to global innovators, governments, tech companies, researchers, policymakers, startups, and general visitors. Visitor registration is free and available online at https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/registration—simply provide personal details for confirmation. For exhibitors, apply via “Exhibit with Us” on the site.
The deadline for Global Challenges (targeting women-led teams and young creators) was November 30, 2025. General registration remains open, but early sign-up is advised due to high demand. For queries, email impact-summit@indiaai.gov.in or fellow1.gpai-india@meity.gov.in.
Delhi Hotel Rates During the Summit: Why They’re Costly and Current Prices
Hotel rates in Delhi have surged dramatically due to the influx of delegates, with many properties sold out and prices up by 57-81% year-on-year or even 1500% in premium categories. Luxury hotels like Taj Palace, Oberoi, Leela Palace, ITC Maurya, Imperial, and JW Marriott are fully booked, impacting both business and leisure travelers.
Current examples include:
• Taj Palace Presidential Suite: Rs 30 lakh/night (normal: Rs 2.37 lakh).
• Taj Palace Garden Luxury Suite: Rs 25-27.55 lakh/night (normal: Rs 2 lakh including taxes).
• Leela Palace rooms: $3,600/night (normal: $486-662).
• Weighted averages: Rs 40,000-60,000 ($482-723)/night; some suites up to $33,000/night.
Hotel searches have jumped 6x, with occupancy rates like 97% at Radisson Gurugram. Book alternative accommodations early or consider outskirts like Gurugram or Noida.
How to Reach the Venue: Nearest Metro, Travel Tips, and Logistics
Bharat Mandapam is easily accessible:
• Nearest Metro: Supreme Court Metro Station (Blue Line) or Indraprastha Metro Station—both a short walk from Pragati Maidan.
• By Air: Fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL); note airfares to Delhi have risen 34% due to summit demand. From the airport, take the Airport Express Metro or a cab (30-45 minutes to venue).
• By Train: Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin, then connect via metro or taxi.
• Road and Traffic: Expect curbs and diversions with 5,000 traffic police deployed; follow real-time advisories on social media. Use public transport to avoid congestion amid VVIP movements.
Security is tight with 10,000 Delhi Police personnel around the venue. Plan travel in advance, carry registration confirmation, and monitor updates on the official website. For more, email the organizers.
As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 kicks off, it underscores India’s role in global AI leadership, blending innovation with responsibility. Whether attending or following remotely, this event promises to define AI’s future trajectory.