PM Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026: A Blueprint for "Viksit Bharat"

New Delhi: The future of technology has officially arrived at Bharat Mandapam.

In a landmark moment for India's digital journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on Monday. The event, which serves as the centerpiece of the broader India AI Impact Summit, positions New Delhi as a new global capital for artificial intelligence—not just for innovation, but for inclusion.

Addressing a packed hall of global tech leaders, startup founders, and policymakers, PM Modi outlined a vision where AI is not just a high-tech tool, but a "social accelerator" that empowers the last mile of society.

"People, Planet, and Progress"

The Expo is organized around three core themes: People, Planet, and Progress. During his walkthrough, the Prime Minister interacted with exhibitors showcasing how AI is solving uniquely Indian challenges.

• Healthcare Revolution: Startups demonstrated AI-driven diagnostics that can detect diseases from simple smartphone scans in rural clinics.
• Digital Agriculture: New "Kisan AI" models were unveiled, capable of providing hyper-local weather and crop advice to farmers in 22 regional languages.
• Indigenous Tech: A major highlight was the unveiling of 12 indigenous foundation models developed under the IndiaAI Mission, proving that India is moving from a consumer of AI to a creator of sovereign AI technology.

"AI for us is not just about algorithms; it is about aspirations. It is the bridge that will connect the remote village to the global market," PM Modi remarked during his address.

Global South's First Major AI Summit

This event marks a historic shift—it is the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The Expo features 13 country pavilions, including France, Japan, and Australia, signaling deep international cooperation.

With over 600 startups and 300 exhibitors spread across 70,000 square meters, the event highlights India's exploding AI ecosystem. The government’s recent ₹10,372 crore investment in the IndiaAI Mission was a recurring topic of discussion, with plans to make computing power (GPUs) accessible to students and researchers at affordable rates.

What’s Next?

The Expo will remain open to the public starting February 17, allowing students and tech enthusiasts to witness the "Seven Chakras" of AI innovation. As India races toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 ("Viksit Bharat"), this Expo stands as a testament that the country is ready to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution.