AI Summit 2026: Modi, Macron, and Guterres Chart Course for Global AI Governance

New Delhi – The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is underway, bringing together global leaders to address the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres are among those delivering keynotes at the event, which is focused on responsible AI development, and deployment.

Global Leaders Call for Inclusive AI Access

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the need for equitable access to AI technology, warning against allowing its future to be dictated by a tiny number of powerful entities. He called for support for a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to AI for all nations India Today.

President Macron underscored France’s commitment to shaping AI regulations in collaboration with allies, including India. He highlighted Europe’s approach as a balance between innovation, investment, and safety Business Today.

India’s Growing Role in the AI Landscape

Prime Minister Modi highlighted recent advancements in AI models developed by Indian companies, expressing confidence in their potential for global impact. He stressed India’s belief that AI should be shared openly to foster innovation and ensure its safety and benefit for all India Today.

“India believes that AI technology will only be beneficial when it is shared and its core systems are open; only then will our millions of young minds be able to make it better and safer,” Modi stated. He envisions a future where humans and AI systems co-create, co-work, and co-evolve India Today.

As the first global AI meeting held in a developing country, the summit provides India with an opportunity to strengthen its position in the burgeoning AI sector. India has risen to third place in global AI competitiveness, according to Stanford researchers Economic Times.

Bill Gates’ Absence and Summit Focus

Microsoft founder Bill Gates withdrew from the summit shortly before his scheduled address due to scrutiny over past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Gates Foundation stated the decision was made to maintain focus on the summit’s core priorities India TV News.

Key Themes and Participants

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which began on February 16th, has drawn participation from over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 global AI leaders India Today. Job disruption, child safety, and AI regulations are key topics being discussed. Other prominent speakers include Ashwini Vaishnaw, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Dario Amodei, and Sundar Pichai Economic Times.

The five-day summit is scheduled to conclude on Friday.