New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) As the five-day India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam moves into its second day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Summit is focused on examining how AI can be utilized for the greater good.

PM Modi expressed on the social media platform X, "Intelligence, rationality, and decision-making enhance the utility of science and technology for society. The India AI Impact Summit seeks to investigate how AI can serve the common good."

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which began on Monday, has convened heads of state, ministers, global tech leaders, distinguished researchers, multilateral organizations, and industry representatives to discuss the role of AI in promoting inclusive growth, improving public systems, and facilitating sustainable development. This marks a historic occasion as it is the first global gathering of this magnitude addressing the topic in the Global South.

Concluding on February 20, the summit will feature participation from over 100 government officials, including more than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers and vice ministers, and over 500 global AI leaders including CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, CTOs, and philanthropic entities.

On February 19, Prime Minister Modi will present the keynote address, outlining a vision for international collaboration and India’s approach to inclusive and responsible AI.

A significant highlight of the summit includes three flagship Global Impact Challenges: AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi. These initiatives aim to promote inclusive, responsible, and development-focused artificial intelligence and will culminate in the unveiling of their finalists and the Grand Finale showcase. The challenges attracted over 4,650 submissions from more than 60 nations, underscoring international engagement and emphasizing India's role as a credible global center for responsible and scalable AI innovation.

Following a thorough multi-stage review by experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, the top 70 teams across the three challenges have been designated as finalists. These teams will interact with policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and academia, receiving recognition and support to expand their innovations on both national and global scales.

The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, is scheduled for February 18 and serves as the summit's main academic forum. The symposium has garnered around 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, attracting attendees such as Estonia's President Alar Karis and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.

It will gather globally recognized AI innovators and premier research institutions to discuss AI-driven scientific discoveries, safety and governance frameworks, equitable access to computational resources, and collaborative research throughout the Global South.

Earlier today, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India, aiming to strengthen ties and enhance the India-France strategic partnership.

He was warmly greeted at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that Prime Minister Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with President Macron, launching the India - France Year of Innovation 2026 together.

In welcoming President Macron, the MEA tweeted, "This visit will further energize the vibrant India-France strategic partnership."

Earlier, Macron shared on his social media platform X, "En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to deepen our strategic partnership. Accompanying me are leaders from business and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital sectors who breathe life into the India-France relationship."