New Delhi, February 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that intelligence and rationality are crucial to ensuring that artificial intelligence serves society, highlighting the public interest focus of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Intelligence, rationality and decision-making make science and technology useful to the masses. The India AI Impact Summit also aims to explore how AI can be leveraged in the public interest. Service, hearing, grasping and holding—knowledge of meaning and knowledge of truth—are attributes of intellect.”
His remarks came a day after he inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Modi said the event brings together innovators, researchers and technology enthusiasts, showcasing the vast potential of AI and Indian talent.
“Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Being among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts offers 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,” he posted.
Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer Mukesh Aghi highlighted India’s leading role in promoting the democratisation and wider diffusion of AI. He noted that India has taken strong steps to make AI affordable, scalable and accessible to its citizens, supported by one of the world’s largest structured databases.
He told ANI that India is poised to play a pivotal global role in AI and that its digital infrastructure model offers important lessons, particularly for the Global South.
The Summit is the first major global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South and has attracted participation from over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers and around 500 global AI leaders. Policymakers, technology firms, academia and industry representatives are attending the event, which seeks to translate AI discussions into development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address of the Summit on February 19. After inaugurating the Expo, he interacted with exhibitors, including startups and research institutions showcasing AI applications across sectors. He was accompanied by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada.
The Expo spans 10 arenas across more than 70,000 square metres and features over 300 exhibition pavilions. More than 600 startups are participating, and the event is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates. (Agencies)
