India to Host Global AI Summit 2026, Aiming for Consensus on Governance
India is organizing a major AI Summit in February 2026, expecting participation from over 100 countries. The event aims to foster global cooperation on AI governance and develop shared regulatory frameworks. High-profile attendees include Bill Gates and CEOs of major tech companies. Seven working groups have been established to prepare for the summit, with two rounds of meetings already completed. The initiative positions India as a key player in shaping global AI governance norms.
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India is positioning itself as a key convenor in global technology policy discussions by hosting the AI Summit in February 2026, with plans to build shared global understanding on artificial intelligence governance. Union Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan outlined the government's expectations for substantive outcomes from what is being positioned as one of the largest global platforms on AI governance and cooperation.
Summit Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The Indian government expects the summit to deliver concrete results in terms of knowledge frameworks and international convergence on AI approaches. Krishnan emphasized that the event aims to produce substantial intellectual output and foster global cooperation. The summit is designed to create a platform where countries can align their approaches to AI governance and develop shared understanding of regulatory frameworks.
| Summit Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Date | February 2026 |
| Expected Participation | More than 100 countries |
| Focus Area | AI governance and cooperation |
| Confirmed Attendees | Bill Gates, CEOs of Anthropic and Adobe |
| Political Participation | French President (expected) |
High-Profile Participation Expected
The summit has already secured commitments from several prominent global figures, underlining the scale and international significance of the event. Bill Gates has confirmed his attendance, while the CEOs of major technology companies including Anthropic and Adobe are also expected to participate. At the political level, the French President is anticipated to attend, indicating substantial international engagement with India's initiative.
Krishnan noted that several participants have provided tentative confirmations, with more definitive responses expected after the holiday season. The participation of both technology industry leaders and political figures demonstrates the summit's dual focus on technical innovation and policy governance.
Preparatory Framework and Working Groups
India has established a structured approach to consensus-building ahead of the summit through dedicated working mechanisms. Seven specialized working groups have been constituted to facilitate discussions and prepare groundwork for the main event. These groups have already completed two rounds of meetings, engaging with counterparts from various countries to build preliminary understanding and identify areas of convergence.
| Preparatory Structure | Details |
|---|---|
| Working Groups | Seven dedicated groups |
| Meeting Rounds Completed | Two rounds |
| Engagement Approach | Structured discussions with partner countries |
| Expected Outcomes | Positive results from ongoing discussions |
The MeitY Secretary expressed optimism about the preparatory process, indicating that ongoing engagement with international counterparts is yielding encouraging results. This structured approach reflects India's commitment to ensuring the summit produces meaningful outcomes rather than serving as merely a ceremonial gathering.
Strategic Positioning in Global AI Governance
By hosting this summit, India is establishing itself as a significant player in shaping global AI governance norms and facilitating international cooperation on technology policy. The initiative represents India's growing influence in global technology discussions and its commitment to fostering collaborative approaches to AI regulation and development standards across different national contexts.
According to MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, the AI Summit aims to build global consensus on AI governance norms, with participation expected from over 100 countries. This ambitious gathering underscores India's proactive stance in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence on a global scale.
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