AI Impact Summit: Tech bosses throng mega event, delve on benefits to Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Delhi.

Ankur Vora, Gates Foundation chief strategy officer at AI Summit, said, "Gates foundation is launching 'Advantage India for AI'... This initiative will bring together innovators and philanthropists across India and Global South to advance AI for social good."

Sam Altman, Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, on Thursday underscored India’s central role in the global technology landscape, saying the country is currently leading the world in artificial intelligence adoption and is set to become one of the largest markets for the technology.

He added that India is not merely participating in the artificial intelligence revolution but is actively leading it.

Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Bradford Lee Smith said the global community has gathered in India to collectively explore how artificial intelligence can be expanded to benefit more parts of the world, particularly the Global South.

He emphasised that significant work remains and that progress will require sustained investments and partnerships involving technology companies, private capital and governments. He added that continued investment in skilling initiatives is essential and described it as a key focus area for Microsoft this week.

Smith said the company is on track to invest $50 billion before the end of the decade to expand AI access across the Global South, both by building infrastructure and by strengthening skilling efforts.

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Mukesh Ambani said that the best of artificial intelligence is yet to come and expressed confidence that AI can usher in an era of super abundance.

He noted that the global debate today centres on whether AI will concentrate power in the hands of a few or democratise opportunity for all, adding that the direction taken will shape the future of economies and societies worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s approach to artificial intelligence is reflected in the theme of the summit, which focuses on welfare for all and happiness for all. He described this as the country’s benchmark in shaping AI policy and development.

He emphasised that in the age of AI, humans must not be reduced to mere data points or treated as raw material. Instead, technology should serve people and enhance their capabilities.

According to him, artificial intelligence must be democratised and made a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for countries in the Global South.

During his address, PM Modi presented a groundbreaking vision - MANAV for artificial intelligence across the globe. He defined the concept as M - Moral and ethical system, A - accountable governance, N - National sovereignty (Each being owner of one's data),  A - Accessible and inclusive (no monopoly, but multiply knowledge and learnings), and V - Valid and legitimate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...I welcome you all to the most historic AI Summit of the world...India is the centre of the world's largest tech pool...It is a matter of pride for the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in India"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Impact AI Summit as he hailed the event as a moment of pride for the entire Global South. He said the summit is a shining example of Indian people's power and capabilities.

"India is not just a part of the AI revolution, but is leading and shaping it," he said.

Watch:

Addressing the India Impact AI Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed India's digital leap and lauded its ecosystem.

"India built something that no other country in the world has built. A digital identity for 1.4 billion people. A payment system that now processes 20 billion transactions every month. A health infrastructure that has issued 500 million digital health IDs. Here are the results. They call it the India Stack Open Interoperable Sovereign. That is what this summit is about. We are clearly at the beginning of a huge acceleration, and you perfectly described it during your interventions," he said.

The French President hailed India’s payment system, asserting that it has created digital identity for 1.4 billion people. He said no other country in the world has been able to do this.

French President Emmanuel Macron thanked people in India for the warm welcome he received in India during his address at AI summit. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday seen interacting with global leaders, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva, during India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Bharat Mandapam for the opening ceremony of the India AI Impacr Summit 2026. He greeted world leaders and tech bosses at the event and will deliver a keynote address shortly.

A day after the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that Bill Gates would deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the organisation on Thursday reversed its decision, stating that the Microsoft co-founder would skip the event “after careful consideration."

In a post on X, India AI said, "As we prepare for an important day at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, delegates are requested to review the latest access and travel advisories for smooth entry to Bharat Mandapam."

"Plan your arrival in advance, carry valid credentials, and follow on-ground guidance from security and event teams. Your cooperation will help ensure a safe and seamless experience for everyone," it added.

On the sidelines of the AI Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a closed-door roundtable with leading global technology executives on Thursday to discuss innovation, emerging technologies and international cooperation.

Among those expected to participate are Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai. Modi also met Pichai on Wednesday as part of his engagements during the summit.

Large parts of Delhi experienced severe traffic congestion on Wednesday as extensive road restrictions were imposed following the arrival of 22 heads of state.

Delegations visited not only Bharat Mandapam, the main venue of the summit, but also several tourist locations across south and central Delhi. The movement of motorcades led to prolonged gridlocks, leaving commuters stranded for hours.

Several world leaders who arrived in India earlier this week are expected to attend Thursday’s sessions. Among them are President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the Leaders’ Plenary is scheduled for around 12 noon. The session will bring together heads of state, ministers and senior representatives from multilateral institutions to discuss national and global priorities on artificial intelligence, including governance frameworks, infrastructure development and international cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the gathering on Thursday, formally opening the fourth day of proceedings. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the inaugural session will also feature addresses by French President Emmanuel Macron and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations.