The AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, entered its second day on Tuesday, building on the momentum generated during a high-profile opening inaugurated by Narendra Modi. Conceived as a global platform to shape the future of artificial intelligence, the five-day summit has brought together policymakers, innovators, startups, researchers and world leaders to deliberate on how AI can be harnessed responsibly for economic growth, public welfare and social equity. Day two places a strong emphasis on applied AI solutions and inclusive frameworks, reflecting India’s ambition to position itself as a leading hub for ethical and people-centric artificial intelligence.
Applied AI Takes Centre Stage at Bharat Mandapam
Day two of the summit is marked by a clear focus on the practical deployment of artificial intelligence across critical sectors such as healthcare, industry, education, agriculture and infrastructure. After the inauguration of a large-scale expo featuring over 600 startups and 13 country pavilions, the emphasis has shifted toward translating innovation into real-world impact. Prime Minister Modi’s interactions with startups on the first day underscored the government’s expectation that AI should not remain confined to laboratories but should directly address societal challenges and public needs.
A major highlight of the day is the launch of two national initiatives by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into India’s healthcare ecosystem. The Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India, known as SAHI, is positioned as a comprehensive guidance framework to support the safe, ethical and evidence-based adoption of AI solutions across public and private healthcare institutions. The initiative seeks to establish clear principles for governance, data stewardship, validation and monitoring of AI tools, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with public health priorities and patient safety.
Alongside SAHI, the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI, or BODH, has been introduced as a critical step toward building trust and transparency in health-focused artificial intelligence. Developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority, the platform enables rigorous evaluation of AI models using diverse and real-world health data while preserving privacy. Designed as a digital public good under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, BODH reflects India’s effort to balance innovation with accountability, particularly in sensitive domains such as healthcare.
Applied AI is also being showcased through cutting-edge industrial innovations at the summit. One of the most talked-about exhibits is a quadruped robot developed by Tata Consultancy Services, designed for what is described as “Physical AI.” Capable of navigating rubble, climbing stairs and diagnosing mechanical faults without human intervention, the robot demonstrates how AI-driven machines can operate in complex industrial environments such as construction sites, warehouses and manufacturing plants. Such displays highlight the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, and their potential to reshape productivity and safety standards across industries.
The seminar on Applied AI at Bharat Mandapam brings together domain experts and practitioners to discuss case studies and best practices. Knowledge compendiums released on the day, including casebooks on AI in health, energy, education, agriculture, gender empowerment and disability inclusion, aim to document learnings and create reference frameworks for policymakers and implementers. These publications are intended to serve as practical guides for deploying AI solutions that are scalable, inclusive and context-sensitive, particularly in developing economies.
Global Participation, Social Equity and India’s AI Vision
The AI Impact Summit 2026 has attracted unprecedented international participation, reinforcing its status as a truly global forum. Delegates and attendees from over 100 countries have registered for the event, with nearly 20 heads of state or government present. Among the prominent global leaders attending are Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their presence reflects a shared recognition that artificial intelligence is a defining force of the 21st century, requiring coordinated global governance and cooperation.
The Ministry of External Affairs has framed the summit around three guiding principles, described as the three ‘Sutras’: People, Planet and Progress. These pillars articulate India’s vision for international cooperation in artificial intelligence, emphasizing that technological advancement must serve humanity, promote sustainability and drive equitable development. Discussions across sessions repeatedly return to the idea that AI governance should not be dominated by a handful of advanced economies, but should reflect the voices and needs of the Global South.
Social equity emerges as a central theme on day two, particularly through parallel events hosted at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge spotlights women leaders who are driving innovation in artificial intelligence and using technology to address gender disparities. By highlighting female-led initiatives and inclusive leadership, the summit seeks to challenge existing imbalances in the tech ecosystem and promote diversity as a driver of better AI outcomes.
Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks and public messages, has consistently emphasized that science and technology derive their true value from their ability to serve the masses. His pitch for using artificial intelligence in public interest resonates strongly with India’s broader digital public infrastructure approach, which has previously delivered large-scale platforms in payments, identity and governance. At the summit, this philosophy translates into discussions on deploying AI for improved service delivery, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
Security and logistics have also been a major focus, given the scale of the event. Authorities have deployed AI-enabled surveillance and management systems to ensure smooth operations and safety. Over 10,000 personnel are involved in managing the summit, with the venue divided into multiple zones and sectors to handle heavy footfall. The use of AI-assisted security measures is itself a demonstration of the technology’s practical applications in managing large public events.
Beyond formal sessions, the summit reflects a blend of diplomacy, culture and innovation. Delegates have been exposed to curated experiences showcasing India’s culinary diversity, craftsmanship and hospitality, reinforcing the idea that technology summits can also serve as platforms for cultural exchange. Such elements contribute to creating an environment conducive to informal dialogue and relationship-building, which often play a crucial role in international cooperation.
As the AI Impact Summit 2026 progresses through its second day, the focus on applied artificial intelligence and social equity underscores India’s intent to shape the global AI discourse around inclusivity and responsibility. By convening world leaders, innovators and civil society on a single platform, the summit seeks to influence not just how artificial intelligence is developed, but how its benefits are distributed across societies and nations.
