India has launched a major global artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, technology executives, and experts to address the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for society, employment, and digital safety. The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026, running from February 16 to 20, aims to create a “shared roadmap” for global AI governance, though observers have expressed concerns over safety, accountability, and tangible outcomes, according to Economic Times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, which is expected to host around 250,000 participants, including 20 national leaders and senior executives from major technology companies such as OpenAI and Google. Key discussions focus on AI innovation, regulation, economic impact, and broader social considerations.
Despite the high-profile participation, analysts caution that the summit’s broad agenda, covering AI’s effect on jobs, digital safety, misinformation, and child protection, could dilute efforts to secure concrete global commitments on AI oversight. Amba Kak, co‑executive director of the AI Now Institute, warned that industry pledges often amount to self-regulation, allowing companies to effectively “grade their own homework,” raising doubts about the summit’s ability to mitigate AI risks.
Safety concerns remain central to the discussions. Experts highlight threats from deepfakes, harmful digital content, and generative AI misuse, with particular emphasis on child protection and managing digital harms. Kelly Forbes, director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute, noted there is “real scope for change,” though progress may be gradual.
The summit underscores India’s ambition to strengthen its role in the international AI landscape while fostering partnerships with both established tech powers and emerging economies, according to ChannelsTv. It also reflects growing global urgency to address the risks and responsibilities accompanying rapid AI adoption.
