Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Feb 19) said the event is a milestone not just for India, but for the wider South Asian region. "This summit being held in India is a matter of pride for the entire South Asia," Modi said, noting that India represents nearly one-sixth of the world's population. The Indian leader noted that AI is a tool for humans and not the other way around. He warned against reducing people to mere inputs in the AI ecosystem.&nbsp;<h2>Humans must not become raw material</h2>Warning against reducing humans to mere inputs in the AI ecosystem, Modi said, “Humans should not stay a raw material or data point for AI," underlining that technology must serve people, not the other way around.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-future-of-ai-cannot-be-decided-by-a-handful-of-countries-guterres-takes-a-swipe-at-us-china-india-ai-summit-1771474676864">AI Summit: UN chief takes swipe at US, China, says AI not playground of handful</a>He argued that artificial intelligence should be “democratised” rather than concentrated in the hands of a few powerful actors. He added that AI must function as a medium of inclusion, particularly for countries in the Global South.<h2>India represents one-sixth of humanity</h2>Modi underlined India’s demographic weight, noting that the country represents nearly one-sixth of the world’s population. That scale, he argued, gives India both responsibility and opportunity when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/galgotias-university-blames-professor-neha-singh-s-enthusiasm-of-being-on-camera-for-ai-robodog-row-1771467435745">Galgotias Uni blames professor's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI dog row</a> This marks the fourth year of the AI Impact Summit, an international conference dedicated to the swift progress in AI. Previous editions took place in Paris, Seoul, and Bletchley, historically known as Britain's wartime code-breaking centre. The New Delhi summit is the first global AI meeting held in a developing country. The five-day summit was scheduled to be wrapped up on Friday (Feb 20), but has now been extended by a day following strong public response.&nbsp;

PM Modi underscores India’s demographic edge at AI Summit 2026, calls event 'proud moment for South Asia'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Feb 19) said the event is a milestone not just for India, but for the wider South Asian region. "This summit being held in India is a matter of pride for the entire South Asia," Modi said, noting that India represents nearly one-sixth of the world's population. The Indian leader noted that AI is a tool for humans and not the other way around. He warned against reducing people to mere inputs in the AI ecosystem. Humans must not become raw material Warning against reducing humans to mere inputs in the AI ecosystem, Modi said, “Humans should not stay a raw material or data point for AI," underlining that technology must serve people, not the other way around. Also read | AI Summit: UN chief takes swipe at US, China, says AI not playground of handful He argued that artificial intelligence should be “democratised” rather than concentrated in the hands of a few powerful actors. He added that AI must function as a medium of inclusion, particularly for countries in the Global South. India represents one-sixth of humanity Modi underlined India’s demographic weight, noting that the country represents nearly one-sixth of the world’s population. That scale, he argued, gives India both responsibility and opportunity when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Also read | Galgotias Uni blames professor's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI dog row This marks the fourth year of the AI Impact Summit, an international conference dedicated to the swift progress in AI. Previous editions took place in Paris, Seoul, and Bletchley, historically known as Britain's wartime code-breaking centre. The New Delhi summit is the first global AI meeting held in a developing country. The five-day summit was scheduled to be wrapped up on Friday (Feb 20), but has now been extended by a day following strong public response.

PM Modi underscores India’s demographic edge at AI Summit 2026, calls event 'proud moment for South Asia'

Humans must not be reduced to data points for AI, warns PM Narendra Modi at India AI Summit

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, on Thursday (Feb 19), while speaking at the India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, delivered a pointed message to global powers: the future of artificial intelligence must not be shaped by a select few nations or tech giants.<h2>AI's future not limited to the whims of billionaires</h2>Addressing leaders and industry stakeholders at the opening ceremony, the UN chief said that decisions about AI governance cannot be "left to the whims of a few billionaires" or dominated by a handful of countries, a remark widely seen as aimed at the United States and China, which currently lead in AI development.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/galgotias-university-blames-professor-neha-singh-s-enthusiasm-of-being-on-camera-for-ai-robodog-row-1771467435745">Galgotias University blames professor's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI dog row</a><h2>'AI must belong to everyone': UN sets up global scientific panel on AI</h2>"AI must belong to everyone," Guterres said, urging governments, industry and civil society to support the initiative. He stressed the need to move beyond "hype and fear", replacing them with "shared data".The UN Chief announced that the United Nations has now appointed a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, following a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly last year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiss-president-parmelin-backs-india-s-push-to-democratise-ai-for-all-nations-1771468420970">Swiss President Parmelin backs India's push to democratise AI for all nations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | At the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAIImpactSummit2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAIImpactSummit2026</a>, UN Secretary General António Guterres says, &quot;The message of this summit is simple. Real impact means technology that improves lives and protects the planet. So let&#39;s build AI for everyone with dignity as the default setting&quot;… <a href="https://t.co/kkB3UXqnUH">pic.twitter.com/kkB3UXqnUH</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2024343394219413916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Global dialogue and ‘guardrails’</h2>The UN Secretary-General also highlighted the launch of a Global Dialogue on AI Governance within the United Nations framework. The first session is scheduled to take place in Geneva in July, giving all countries a platform to discuss standards, safeguards and accountability mechanisms.He noted that there was a need for "guardrails" to help preserve human agency, oversight and accountability, warning that without coordinated rules, AI risks deepening inequality and enabling misuse.To ensure developing nations are not left behind, Guterres proposed a Global Fund on AI aimed at building basic capacity worldwide, including skills training, data infrastructure and affordable computing power. "Our target is 3 billion US dollars," he noted. "That’s less than one per cent of the annual revenue of a single tech company," he noted, arguing that inclusive AI development would ultimately benefit businesses as well. "AI must be accessible to everyone," insisted Guterres.&nbsp;

At the India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, António Guterres warned that artificial intelligence must not be shaped by a handful of nations or billionaires. He said “AI must belong to everyone” and called for inclusive governance beyond hype and fear.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, on Thursday (Feb 19), while speaking at the India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, delivered a pointed message to global powers: the future of artificial intelligence must not be shaped by a select few nations or tech giants. AI's future not limited to the whims of billionaires Addressing leaders and industry stakeholders at the opening ceremony, the UN chief said that decisions about AI governance cannot be "left to the whims of a few billionaires" or dominated by a handful of countries, a remark widely seen as aimed at the United States and China, which currently lead in AI development. Also read | Galgotias University blames professor's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI dog row 'AI must belong to everyone': UN sets up global scientific panel on AI "AI must belong to everyone," Guterres said, urging governments, industry and civil society to support the initiative. He stressed the need to move beyond "hype and fear", replacing them with "shared data". The UN Chief announced that the United Nations has now appointed a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, following a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly last year. Also read | Swiss President Parmelin backs India's push to democratise AI for all nations

At the India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, António Guterres warned that artificial intelligence must not be shaped by a handful of nations or billionaires. He said “AI must belong to everyone” and called for inclusive governance beyond hype and fear.

'Future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries': Guterres takes a swipe at US, China | India AI Summit

New Delhi: Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has hailed India's leadership in artificial intelligence, emphasising the need for "trusted AI systems" as she attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Busch praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for responsible AI development, on the summit, which runs from 16-20 February at Bharat Mandapam and draws global leaders, policymakers, and industry figures to discuss AI governance, innovation, and societal impact,&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's not a coincidence that the meeting is taking place in New Delhi, that it is India now taking leadership when it comes to AI," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"And very much support Prime Minister Modi's trajectory when he's pointed out that we need to build trusted AI systems, and I think that Sweden can definitely provide and help out with that."&nbsp;Busch, who also serves as Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, arrived in the Indian capital accompanied by a large Swedish business delegation focused on AI, innovation, and technology collaboration.&nbsp;&nbsp;In turbulent times, she stressed strategic partnerships: "We are now choosing our partners very carefully, our friends very carefully. And speaking for the Swedish government, India is definitely such a partner that we'd like to work with long term for the next generation."&nbsp;Highlighting economic links, she noted the presence of around 300 Swedish companies in India, indirectly supporting 2.5 million jobs, and expressed interest in reciprocal investments. "We'd like to do more of that, and we'd like to see more investments from India, also in Sweden," she added.&nbsp;Busch commended India's agile approach to AI regulation. "It's very interesting to see India now moving both at pace, daring to improve, maybe sort of an innovative improvement in the way you doing legislation for a technology that is one thing today, but that will have developed and will be something else in just a few months. I think Sweden can learn from that."&nbsp;She positioned Sweden as a complementary partner, citing its innovation ranking, often among the world's top one, two or three, despite its small size. "Although we're a small country, we're a very smart country. And I think that's also a good match for India."&nbsp;The deputy prime minister pointed to mutual learning opportunities, including India's rapid 5G rollout and digital payment systems that empower small entrepreneurs. "There is a lot to learn from this as well, but India has some cutting edge competences in specific areas where Sweden and India can complement each other."&nbsp;She called for closer university and higher education ties to bolster joint strength in AI. "We need to make sure our universities, our higher education, really work closely in the years to come, and make sure that we stand strong in the area of AI together."&nbsp;Broader context includes the recent EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which Ms Busch described as a milestone beyond trade. "It is such a token of strength, I think, both for India, but also for the European Union that finally we got to sign the Free Trade Agreement... This is a matter of building value chains with countries with whom we share the same values." &nbsp;

Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch positioned Sweden as a complementary partner, citing its innovation ranking, often among the world's top one, two or three, despite its small size.

New Delhi: Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has hailed India's leadership in artificial intelligence, emphasising the need for "trusted AI systems" as she attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Busch praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for responsible AI development, on the summit, which runs from 16-20 February at Bharat Mandapam and draws global leaders, policymakers, and industry figures to discuss AI governance, innovation, and societal impact, "It's not a coincidence that the meeting is taking place in New Delhi, that it is India now taking leadership when it comes to AI," she said. "And very much support Prime Minister Modi's trajectory when he's pointed out that we need to build trusted AI systems, and I think that Sweden can definitely provide and help out with that." Busch, who also serves as Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, arrived in the Indian capital accompanied by a large Swedish business delegation focused on AI, innovation, and technology collaboration. In turbulent times, she stressed strategic partnerships: "We are now choosing our partners very carefully, our friends very carefully. And speaking for the Swedish government, India is definitely such a partner that we'd like to work with long term for the next generation." Highlighting economic links, she noted the presence of around 300 Swedish companies in India, indirectly supporting 2.5 million jobs, and expressed interest in reciprocal investments. "We'd like to do more of that, and we'd like to see more investments from India, also in Sweden," she added. Busch commended India's agile approach to AI regulation. "It's very interesting to see India now moving both at pace, daring to improve, maybe sort of an innovative improvement in the way you doing legislation for a technology that is one thing today, but that will have developed and will be something else in just a few months. I think Sweden can learn from that." She positioned Sweden as a complementary partner, citing its innovation ranking, often among the world's top one, two or three, despite its small size. "Although we're a small country, we're a very smart country. And I think that's also a good match for India." The deputy prime minister pointed to mutual learning opportunities, including India's rapid 5G rollout and digital payment systems that empower small entrepreneurs. "There is a lot to learn from this as well, but India has some cutting edge competences in specific areas where Sweden and India can complement each other." She called for closer university and higher education ties to bolster joint strength in AI. "We need to make sure our universities, our higher education, really work closely in the years to come, and make sure that we stand strong in the area of AI together." Broader context includes the recent EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which Ms Busch described as a milestone beyond trade. "It is such a token of strength, I think, both for India, but also for the European Union that finally we got to sign the Free Trade Agreement... This is a matter of building value chains with countries with whom we share the same values."

Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch positioned Sweden as a complementary partner, citing its innovation ranking, often among the world's top one, two or three, despite its small size.

'Small But Smart': Sweden Positions Itself as Ideal Match for India's AI Ambitions

This incident mirrors the earlier "Orion" robodog scandal that broke just days prior. in that case, the university displayed a Unitree Go2 robot (a Chinese product worth roughly Rs 2.3 lakh) and claimed it was developed under a Rs 350 crore AI initiative. 

'First China, now Korea': AI Summit turns into a disaster as university caught faking ‘in-house’ drone soccer after robodog fiasco

A top EU official has emphasised the growing partnership between the EU and India in shaping the future of AI, even as the Delhi summit is underway. Speaking to WION, Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the need for both sides to strengthen their own AI capabilities while collaborating closely.&nbsp;"I think this (AI summit) will be, of course, a very important milestone now, again, because AI has been developing very fast during the last few years," she said. "When we look at these AI summits earlier, I think the first one was very much about the safety of AI. Last year was very much about investments in AI. And I think now the focus is more on how we are implementing AI, how we make sure that everybody has access to this important technology, and how our industry, small businesses and public sector are also able to uptake AI."&nbsp;Ms Virkkunen, named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025 for her role in advancing the EU AI Act and promoting tech sovereignty, stressed the importance of home-grown innovation."It is very important that India and also the European Union, that we are building up our own capacity on AI," she said.&nbsp;"So it's very important to have the technology and knowledge. Also, it's important to train AI with our own content, with our own languages in our countries. And of course, here, it's important to also do cooperation and partnership, because we both, we share very much the same goal that we want to create really AI, which is trustworthy and human-centric."The comments come amid heightened EU-India engagement, building on recent high-level summits.&nbsp;Virkkunen pointed to joint efforts on pressing global challenges, including environmental monitoring and climate change preparedness. "We have been really here also testing AI, how we can use it better to really monitor the environment and also, for example, what kind of impacts climate change will mean in the future, and how we are better also prepared for that," she said.&nbsp;"So we can really use AI, for example, those kinds of topics, and it has been one of the projects where we have been working together with India at the same time." She also underscored sustainability in AI development, noting the technology's high energy consumption.&nbsp;"Of course, it's also very important, when we are investing in AI, to make sure that we are investing to best technologies, that we are investing in very energy-efficient systems, because we know that AI is also consuming a lot of energy."In Europe, the focus is shifting towards widespread adoption, particularly in healthcare and industry. "We are now having very high ambition, especially when it comes to healthcare, that we are using AI more to really, for the screening purposes, for example, when it comes to cancer, really, to also see that what kind of situation there is, and also to be able to give a better quality of healthcare," Ms Virkkunen said.&nbsp;"We are now combining AI, for example, with our automotive sector, really to build up more productivity and also for different testing environments. So for us, it's very important to now really support our industry, especially SMEs, to uptake AI, and also the public sector, especially their healthcare. " The summit, hosted by India as the first major AI gathering in the Global South, has drawn leaders from over 20 countries and tech executives, showcasing New Delhi's rising role in global AI governance.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-chinese-robodog-controversy-at-india-ai-summit-galgotias-university-asked-to-exit-as-rahul-gandhi-congress-slams-centre-all-we-know-1771392661199">Galgotias University faces heat at India AI Summit over 'Chinese robodog' row; govt steps in — All we know</a>

The European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the need for both sides to strengthen their own AI capabilities while collaborating closely.

A top EU official has emphasised the growing partnership between the EU and India in shaping the future of AI, even as the Delhi summit is underway. Speaking to WION, Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the need for both sides to strengthen their own AI capabilities while collaborating closely. "I think this (AI summit) will be, of course, a very important milestone now, again, because AI has been developing very fast during the last few years," she said. "When we look at these AI summits earlier, I think the first one was very much about the safety of AI. Last year was very much about investments in AI. And I think now the focus is more on how we are implementing AI, how we make sure that everybody has access to this important technology, and how our industry, small businesses and public sector are also able to uptake AI." Ms Virkkunen, named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025 for her role in advancing the EU AI Act and promoting tech sovereignty, stressed the importance of home-grown innovation."It is very important that India and also the European Union, that we are building up our own capacity on AI," she said. "So it's very important to have the technology and knowledge. Also, it's important to train AI with our own content, with our own languages in our countries. And of course, here, it's important to also do cooperation and partnership, because we both, we share very much the same goal that we want to create really AI, which is trustworthy and human-centric." The comments come amid heightened EU-India engagement, building on recent high-level summits. Virkkunen pointed to joint efforts on pressing global challenges, including environmental monitoring and climate change preparedness. "We have been really here also testing AI, how we can use it better to really monitor the environment and also, for example, what kind of impacts climate change will mean in the future, and how we are better also prepared for that," she said. "So we can really use AI, for example, those kinds of topics, and it has been one of the projects where we have been working together with India at the same time." She also underscored sustainability in AI development, noting the technology's high energy consumption. "Of course, it's also very important, when we are investing in AI, to make sure that we are investing to best technologies, that we are investing in very energy-efficient systems, because we know that AI is also consuming a lot of energy." In Europe, the focus is shifting towards widespread adoption, particularly in healthcare and industry. "We are now having very high ambition, especially when it comes to healthcare, that we are using AI more to really, for the screening purposes, for example, when it comes to cancer, really, to also see that what kind of situation there is, and also to be able to give a better quality of healthcare," Ms Virkkunen said. "We are now combining AI, for example, with our automotive sector, really to build up more productivity and also for different testing environments. So for us, it's very important to now really support our industry, especially SMEs, to uptake AI, and also the public sector, especially their healthcare. " The summit, hosted by India as the first major AI gathering in the Global South, has drawn leaders from over 20 countries and tech executives, showcasing New Delhi's rising role in global AI governance. Also read: Galgotias University faces heat at India AI Summit over 'Chinese robodog' row; govt steps in — All we know

The European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the need for both sides to strengthen their own AI capabilities while collaborating closely.

EU & India must build own AI capacity with home-grown data, says top EU official Virkkunen at New Delhi summit

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, anxiety over job security has intensified, including in India, especially amid layoffs by major global corporations. Addressing these concerns in an interview with news agency ANI, Narendra Modi underscored that readiness, not fear, is the right response to technological disruption. The Prime Minister acknowledged that AI will transform the nature of many existing roles, but maintained that technological shifts historically generate new forms of employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to him, digital transformation will expand opportunities in emerging technology sectors and strengthen India’s economic growth. He highlighted that the government is prioritising large-scale skilling and reskilling initiatives to equip citizens for an AI-driven future, describing AI as a powerful tool capable of amplifying human potential. &nbsp;"The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem, but we're treating it as a present imperative. I view AI as a force-multiplier which will further help us push the boundaries of what we thought possible."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-writes-to-bangladesh-pm-rahman-warm-welcome-awaits-you-in-india-1771335135318">PM Modi writes to Bangladesh PM Rahman: 'Warm welcome awaits you in India'</a>&nbsp;He pointed out that throughout history, every major technological revolution has sparked similar apprehensions, yet innovation has consistently created new industries and job categories. In the AI era, he believes, the pattern will be no different; roles may evolve, but opportunities will multiply. Emphasising India’s long-term strategy, the Prime Minister said the country must move beyond being merely a consumer of advanced technologies and instead become a global creator. Linking this vision to the broader goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he outlined three guiding principles for India’s AI ambitions: technological sovereignty, inclusive growth, and innovation-driven leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-budget-2026-27-sets-economic-roadmap-ahead-of-polls-1771330458943/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-budget-2026-27-sets-economic-roadmap-ahead-of-polls-1771330458943/embed</a>&nbsp;His aspiration is for India to rank among the world’s top three AI powers, not only in adoption but in development.Looking ahead, he envisioned AI becoming deeply integrated into everyday life, empowering citizens rather than threatening livelihoods. He projected a future where Indian AI systems serve global populations in multiple languages, domestic startups achieve global scale, and AI-powered public services become international models of efficiency and fairness. Finishing his statement, he said India’s AI journey will be guided by national values and human dignity, positioning the country as a responsible global leader in the digital age.

PM Narendra Modi says AI will reshape jobs, not remove them, stressing skilling, innovation, and India’s goal to become a top global AI leader

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, anxiety over job security has intensified, including in India, especially amid layoffs by major global corporations. Addressing these concerns in an interview with news agency ANI, Narendra Modi underscored that readiness, not fear, is the right response to technological disruption. The Prime Minister acknowledged that AI will transform the nature of many existing roles, but maintained that technological shifts historically generate new forms of employment. According to him, digital transformation will expand opportunities in emerging technology sectors and strengthen India’s economic growth. He highlighted that the government is prioritising large-scale skilling and reskilling initiatives to equip citizens for an AI-driven future, describing AI as a powerful tool capable of amplifying human potential. "The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem, but we're treating it as a present imperative. I view AI as a force-multiplier which will further help us push the boundaries of what we thought possible." Also Read: PM Modi writes to Bangladesh PM Rahman: 'Warm welcome awaits you in India' He pointed out that throughout history, every major technological revolution has sparked similar apprehensions, yet innovation has consistently created new industries and job categories. In the AI era, he believes, the pattern will be no different; roles may evolve, but opportunities will multiply. Emphasising India’s long-term strategy, the Prime Minister said the country must move beyond being merely a consumer of advanced technologies and instead become a global creator. Linking this vision to the broader goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he outlined three guiding principles for India’s AI ambitions: technological sovereignty, inclusive growth, and innovation-driven leadership. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-budget-2026-27-sets-economic-roadmap-ahead-of-polls-1771330458943/embed His aspiration is for India to rank among the world’s top three AI powers, not only in adoption but in development. Looking ahead, he envisioned AI becoming deeply integrated into everyday life, empowering citizens rather than threatening livelihoods. He projected a future where Indian AI systems serve global populations in multiple languages, domestic startups achieve global scale, and AI-powered public services become international models of efficiency and fairness. Finishing his statement, he said India’s AI journey will be guided by national values and human dignity, positioning the country as a responsible global leader in the digital age.

PM Narendra Modi says AI will reshape jobs, not remove them, stressing skilling, innovation, and India’s goal to become a top global AI leader

'I view AI as...': PM Modi's BIG message as he addresses AI job fears

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is no longer featured in the <a href="https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/key-attendees">list of key attendees</a> at the 2026 AI Impact Summit. However, the Gates Foundation clarified in an official statement that he is attending the AI Impact Summit and will deliver his keynote as scheduled. While his name is still not present on the list, a search for his session shows that <a href="https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/sessions?s=bill+Gates">Bill Gates is scheduled to speak on February 19</a>. Gates was one of the prominent names on the guest list when India announced the AI Impact Summit. Bill Gates' name was on official releases, media reports, and the summit's own promotional materials. However, his name has suddenly been removed from the attendee list without explanation. There is no official acknowledgement from India yet on the matter. Some reports suggested that the government "reviewed" Gates' invitation following the Epstein uproar. Other notable names on the guest list at the AI summit include Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, and Dario Amodei (CEO of Anthropic), among others.&nbsp;<h2>When is Bill Gates speaking at the AI Summit?</h2>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260217/image-1771313177331.png"></figure>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260217/image-1771313896909.png"></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ai-impact-summit-2026-pm-modi-engages-with-startups-tech-leaders-at-landmark-ai-event-1771255455630">AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi engages with startups, tech leaders at landmark AI event</a><h2>Bill Gates was in India on Monday</h2>Gates was already in India and visited the Andhra Pradesh state secretariat to discuss strengthening cooperation in health, agriculture, education and technology-driven governance initiatives. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said they discussed sectors for collaboration with the Gates Foundation. However, his visit to the Indian state was slammed by netizens in the wake of his name appearing in the Epstein Files. "His [Gates's] name has appeared multiple times in the Epstein files along with photos. After knowing all this, anyone should avoid meeting him," Anup Dhote, in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Kisan Congress, posted on X.<h2>Could Bill Gates have moved to a private format at AI Summit?</h2>Gates is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI summit in a bilateral meeting, as the Gates Foundation shares deep partnerships with the Indian government across health and development sectors. It is also possible that his presence at the summit was reclassified into a private format away from the public programme, although an official word on his absence is still awaited. The summit runs through February 20.

Bill Gates's name is no longer on the list of attendees at the 2026 AI Impact Summit, as seen on the official website. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation has issued a statement on the matter. But a search for his schedule shows he is speaking on February 19.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is no longer featured in the list of key attendees at the 2026 AI Impact Summit. However, the Gates Foundation clarified in an official statement that he is attending the AI Impact Summit and will deliver his keynote as scheduled. While his name is still not present on the list, a search for his session shows that Bill Gates is scheduled to speak on February 19. Gates was one of the prominent names on the guest list when India announced the AI Impact Summit. Bill Gates' name was on official releases, media reports, and the summit's own promotional materials. However, his name has suddenly been removed from the attendee list without explanation. There is no official acknowledgement from India yet on the matter. Some reports suggested that the government "reviewed" Gates' invitation following the Epstein uproar. Other notable names on the guest list at the AI summit include Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, and Dario Amodei (CEO of Anthropic), among others. When is Bill Gates speaking at the AI Summit? Also Read: AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi engages with startups, tech leaders at landmark AI event Bill Gates was in India on Monday Gates was already in India and visited the Andhra Pradesh state secretariat to discuss strengthening cooperation in health, agriculture, education and technology-driven governance initiatives. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said they discussed sectors for collaboration with the Gates Foundation. However, his visit to the Indian state was slammed by netizens in the wake of his name appearing in the Epstein Files. "His [Gates's] name has appeared multiple times in the Epstein files along with photos. After knowing all this, anyone should avoid meeting him," Anup Dhote, in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Kisan Congress, posted on X. Could Bill Gates have moved to a private format at AI Summit? Gates is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI summit in a bilateral meeting, as the Gates Foundation shares deep partnerships with the Indian government across health and development sectors. It is also possible that his presence at the summit was reclassified into a private format away from the public programme, although an official word on his absence is still awaited. The summit runs through February 20.

Bill Gates's name is no longer on the list of attendees at the 2026 AI Impact Summit, as seen on the official website. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation has issued a statement on the matter. But a search for his schedule shows he is speaking on February 19.

AI Summit website shows Bill Gates attending as planned after name vanishes. Here is when he is speaking

Prime Minister Narendra Modi explored several exhibition arenas at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on Monday (February 16), interacting with entrepreneurs, scientists, and technology innovators presenting artificial intelligence solutions across diverse sectors. His visit took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi ahead of the official inauguration of the five-day event, scheduled from February 16 to 20 alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026.&nbsp;Positioned as the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, the gathering aims to spotlight artificial intelligence as a driver of policy transformation, innovation, and large-scale deployment. Organisers describe it as a comprehensive platform bringing together governments, industry leaders, academia, and research institutions.&nbsp;Spanning 10 thematic arenas across more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo features participation from leading technology companies, emerging startups, union ministries, state governments, and international collaborators. 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African countries, have set up dedicated pavilions to underline cross-border cooperation in AI development.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-minister-jack-chambers-praises-india-s-role-in-shaping-global-ai-future-1771254464108">Irish minister Jack Chambers praises India's role in shaping global AI future</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the… <a href="https://t.co/G370iXYAXm">pic.twitter.com/G370iXYAXm</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2023412696960696809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More than 300 curated exhibits and live demonstrations are arranged under three broad themes, People, Planet, and Progress, emphasising AI’s transformative role in society, sustainability, and economic growth. The event also hosts over 600 promising startups, many already deploying AI solutions at scale in real-world environments.&nbsp;With expectations of drawing over 2.5 lakh visitors, including global delegates, the Expo is designed to encourage international collaboration and business partnerships within the AI ecosystem. The parallel AI Impact Summit will feature upwards of 500 sessions with more than 3,250 speakers and panelists.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-impact-summit-2026-leaders-from-20-nations-to-attend-summit-in-india-1771238695920/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-impact-summit-2026-leaders-from-20-nations-to-attend-summit-in-india-1771238695920/embed</a>&nbsp;Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government is introducing 12 domestically developed foundation models created by Indian startups and research consortia. These models are trained on extensive Indian datasets and customised to support the country’s 22 official languages. As India’s AI market is projected to exceed $17 billion by 2027, the summit signals the nation’s broader ambition to shape an inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI future.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 800 million internet users, a thriving startup ecosystem, and advanced digital public infrastructure, India is positioning itself as a global connector between technological innovation and real-world impact.

AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi engages with startups, tech leaders at landmark AI event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi explored several exhibition arenas at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on Monday (February 16), interacting with entrepreneurs, scientists, and technology innovators presenting artificial intelligence solutions across diverse sectors. His visit took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi ahead of the official inauguration of the five-day event, scheduled from February 16 to 20 alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Positioned as the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, the gathering aims to spotlight artificial intelligence as a driver of policy transformation, innovation, and large-scale deployment. Organisers describe it as a comprehensive platform bringing together governments, industry leaders, academia, and research institutions. Spanning 10 thematic arenas across more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo features participation from leading technology companies, emerging startups, union ministries, state governments, and international collaborators. 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African countries, have set up dedicated pavilions to underline cross-border cooperation in AI development. Also Read: Irish minister Jack Chambers praises India's role in shaping global AI future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi explored India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting startups, 12 indigenous AI models, and global collaboration

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AI Summit website shows Bill Gates attending as planned after name vanishes

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