New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared warm interactions with several global leaders at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting India’s growing role in shaping global Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.
Strong India-Brazil Engagement at AI Summit
The Prime Minister was seen exchanging greetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the two leaders entered the venue together. Representing influential voices from the Global South, their interaction symbolized strengthening India-Brazil cooperation, particularly in areas such as global technology governance and inclusive AI development.
Interaction with French President Macron
PM Modi also briefly interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron before joining other dignitaries for the official family photograph — a moment reflecting global collaboration at the summit.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
The summit follows a series of intensive diplomatic meetings held a day earlier. PM Modi welcomed key global figures including:
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director
The Prime Minister conducted nine bilateral meetings with heads of state and leading global technology executives, reinforcing India’s diplomatic outreach in the AI and technology sectors.
Cultural Welcome at Bharat Mandapam
International delegates were welcomed with a vibrant cultural programme that blended India’s traditional heritage with modern innovation. Leaders such as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay were received with traditional Indian musical instruments, creating a ceremonial and culturally rich atmosphere.
Other prominent leaders attending the summit included:
Navinchandra Ramgoolam
Andrej Plenković
Aleksandar Vučić
Wavel Ramkalawan
Alar Karis
Petteri Orpo
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Bharrat Jagdeo
Their presence underscored the global scale and strategic importance of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Meetings with Global Tech Leaders
Beyond diplomatic interactions, PM Modi held exclusive meetings with global CEOs, including Sundar Pichai and Vinod Khosla, focusing on AI innovation, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.
Summit Theme: Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay
The summit is themed ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ (Welfare for All, Happiness of All) and structured around seven key pillars, including Democratising AI Resources and Safe and Trusted AI. The discussions align with the broader vision of People, Planet, and Progress.
To mark the occasion, PM Modi hosted a formal dinner and cultural programme, showcasing India’s rich civilisational heritage alongside its technological ambitions. The event reflected India’s dual identity as a nation rooted in tradition while leading innovation in Artificial Intelligence. With high-level participation and extensive diplomatic engagement, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 positions India at the forefront of global AI dialogue and inclusive technological progress.
