New Delhi is currently serving as the epicenter of global artificial intelligence discourse as it hosts the prestigious AI Impact Summit, attracting world leaders, ministerial delegations, and technology pioneers. The five-day conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brings together stakeholders to address pressing issues including workforce automation, child safety protocols, and international AI governance frameworks.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s rapid technological advancement and the capability of its youth in his opening address, stating through social media platform X that the event demonstrates the country’s growing prowess in science and technology. The Indian government anticipates welcoming over 250,000 attendees from the AI sector, including 20 heads of state and 45 ministerial delegations. Notable participants include French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Despite the high-profile attendance, the summit’s opening day encountered significant logistical challenges. Attendees reported extensive queues, overcrowded venues, and inadequate signage. Security protocols necessitated the abrupt evacuation of exhibition areas, resulting in numerous visitors being temporarily separated from personal belongings. Additional complaints highlighted insufficient seating arrangements and scheduling uncertainties that left some speakers unsure of their participation timelines until moments before their scheduled appearances.
The conference occurs at a critical juncture in AI development, as artificial intelligence technologies continue transforming economic structures, labor markets, and regulatory landscapes worldwide. From generative AI systems producing text and imagery to advanced applications in defense, healthcare, and climate modeling, AI remains a priority for governments and corporations globally.
Previously hosted in France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, the summit has evolved from a focused gathering on AI safety to a comprehensive international event addressing broad thematic concerns. India, with its status as the world’s most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing digital markets, views the summit as an opportunity to position itself as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South. The country’s experience implementing large-scale digital infrastructure, including identity and payment systems, is considered a model for cost-effective AI implementation at scale.
According to India’s Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the summit’s objective remains clear: ensuring AI contributes to humanity’s advancement, inclusive growth, and sustainable future development. The coming days will see participants discussing guidelines and collaborative frameworks to promote safe and ethical AI development and deployment.