New Delhi

Narendra Modi on Monday explored multiple exhibition pavilions at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, interacting with startups, researchers and technology leaders showcasing artificial intelligence applications across sectors.

The visit took place ahead of the formal inauguration of the Expo, which will run from February 16 to 20 alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The event marks the first international AI summit being hosted in the Global South.

Envisioned as a national showcase of artificial intelligence in action, the summit aims to bring together policy, innovation and large-scale implementation on a single platform.

The Expo is spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres and features participation from global technology companies, startups, academic institutions, research bodies, Union ministries, state governments and international partners.

Thirteen country pavilions are highlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem, including participation from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and several African nations.

More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations are being organised across three thematic “chakras” — People, Planet and Progress — underscoring AI’s transformative potential across sectors.

Over 600 high-potential startups are participating in the Expo, many of which are building population-scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings. The event is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, and aims to foster global partnerships and business opportunities within the AI ecosystem.

In addition, more than 500 sessions featuring over 3,250 speakers and panellists are scheduled during the summit.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government is unveiling 12 indigenous foundation models developed by Indian startups and consortia. These models are trained on extensive Indian datasets and tailored to the country’s 22 official languages.

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With India’s AI market projected to surpass USD 17 billion by 2027, the summit underscores the country’s ambition to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible and impactful. Backed by over 800 million internet users, a vibrant startup ecosystem and robust digital public infrastructure, India is positioning itself as a bridge between innovation and large-scale societal impact.