Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bharat Mandapam on Thursday morning as New Delhi hosted one of the most influential technology gatherings of the year — the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Day 4 of the six-day summit is being described as a defining moment for India’s global AI ambitions, bringing together heads of state, global CEOs, policymakers, researchers, and startup founders under one roof.
Security was tight around central Delhi as delegates with special badges entered through designated gates. Traffic diversions were enforced across key roads to ensure smooth access for world leaders and industry giants attending the invite-only inaugural ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi shared the stage with French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting the summit’s global character. The gathering, positioned as the first major AI summit of the Global South, has attracted participation from 118 countries.
One of the biggest announcements of the morning came from Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google. Addressing the summit, Pichai confirmed a $15 billion investment plan for India, including the establishment of a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The project will feature gigawatt-scale compute capacity and a new international subsea cable gateway, aimed at strengthening India’s digital backbone.
Pichai reflected on his student days traveling through Vizag and described the transformation of the city from a modest coastal town into a future AI powerhouse. He said the world is on the cusp of “hyperprogress” but stressed the importance of responsible innovation.
Industry leaders echoed similar optimism. Natarajan Chandrasekaran called artificial intelligence the next foundational infrastructure. According to him, AI will significantly expand the role of India’s IT industry by embedding intelligent systems into enterprise processes and supply chains. He emphasized that India’s deep contextual understanding of global business ecosystems gives it a competitive advantage in AI deployment.
At the same time, cautionary voices were heard. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, acknowledged AI’s exponential growth but warned about potential misuse and economic disruption. He expressed concerns about autonomous AI agents and emphasized the need for strong governance frameworks. Amodei also announced the opening of Anthropic’s new office in Bengaluru, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to India.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined India’s five-layer AI ecosystem strategy, focusing on infrastructure, datasets, models, applications, and talent development. He said India’s vision is to democratize AI so that its benefits reach citizens in healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. He added that most use cases can be addressed through smaller, specialized AI models tailored for local needs.
Notably absent from the keynote lineup was Bill Gates. The Gates Foundation confirmed that he would not deliver his scheduled address, stating that the decision was taken to ensure the focus remains aligned with the summit’s core priorities. The foundation reiterated its continued partnership with India on health and development initiatives.
The summit features more than 700 sessions covering AI safety, ethics, governance, sovereign AI capabilities, and the future of work. Key business leaders, including Sam Altman, are scheduled to speak during thematic discussions and CEO dialogues.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to outline India’s roadmap for artificial intelligence, the broader message from Delhi is clear. India intends not only to participate in the global AI revolution but to shape its direction. With billions in fresh investments, expanded international partnerships, and a strong focus on ethical governance, the AI Impact Summit 2026 marks a pivotal chapter in the country’s digital journey.