New Delhi is set to host a landmark technological event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 'India AI Impact Expo 2026' today at 5 PM at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. This expo is positioned as a premier global platform for collaboration and innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while scheduled to run from February 16 to February 20, the event is being held alongside the India AI Impact Summit. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the expo serves as a national stage for the practical demonstration of AI, where policy meets practice and innovation is implemented at scale to reach the common citizen.
The event aims to foster new partnerships within the global AI ecosystem and create significant business opportunities. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the government intends to highlight how AI can be leveraged for social and economic development, while the five-day schedule includes high-level discussions and exhibitions focused on the real-world applications of emerging technologies.
High-Level International Representation
The scale of the event is underscored by the participation of numerous international dignitaries. According to official reports, the summit will see the attendance of 7 Presidents, 2 Vice Presidents, and 9 Prime Ministers from various nations. On top of that, CEOs of leading global technology firms and over 200,000 international delegates are expected to participate. The PMO estimates that the five-day event will attract more than 2,500,000 visitors, making it one of the largest gatherings focused on artificial intelligence globally.
Scale of the Exhibition and Core Themes
The expo is spread across a massive area of over 70,000 square meters, organized into 10 specialized arenas. It brings together global tech giants, startups, academics, research institutions, central ministries, and state governments. A significant highlight is the presence of 13 country pavilions, including those from Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. The exhibition features over 300 curated pavilions and live demonstrations designed around three core themes: People, Planet, and Progress.
Empowering the Startup Ecosystem
A major focus of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 is the startup ecosystem, with over 600 high-potential startups showcasing their innovations. According to officials, many of these startups are developing solutions that are globally relevant and capable of addressing population-scale challenges, while these entities will demonstrate practical AI applications that are already being utilized in real-world scenarios. The platform aims to provide these startups with exposure to international investors and collaborators, facilitating growth and scalability.
Extensive Sessions and Knowledge Exchange
The event will host more than 500 sessions featuring over 3,250 visionary speakers and panelists. These sessions are designed to explore the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and governance, while the primary goal is to deliberate on future actions that ensure AI benefits every global citizen. Discussions will also focus on ethical AI frameworks and the development of secure technological infrastructures to support long-term innovation.
Security Protocols and Public Access Guidelines
To ensure the safety of the high-profile attendees, the Delhi Police has deployed over 10,000 personnel across the city and the venue. Security measures include the installation of anti-drone systems and a strong air defense system capable of neutralizing unauthorized aerial threats. Monitoring is being conducted through more than 500 CCTV cameras. While access to the exhibition area will be restricted during the inauguration on February 16, the expo will be open to the general public starting from February 17.