As the AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued a traffic advisory urging delegates to rely on public transport because of limited parking capacity and revised gate access protocols.
The five-day summit, scheduled to run until February 20, will bring together Heads of State, Heads of Government, ministers, foreign delegates, and representatives from international organisations.
In a social media post, the ministry stated, “traffic Advisory for 16th February! Delegates attending #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan are advised to use public transport due to limited parking and revised gate access.”
It further added, “Please plan your arrival as per the updated entry protocols and cooperate with security personnel for smooth conduct of the event.”
AI Impact Summit 2026: More Than 500 Events To Take Place
According to an official government press release, the summit week will feature more than 500 events in addition to the main programme. It will also function as a large-scale trade show of artificial intelligence products and solutions, with participation from more than 840 exhibitors, including national delegations, ministerial groups, technology companies, AI startups, and research laboratories.
The government described the gathering as one of the most comprehensive global convenings focused on artificial intelligence.
AI Summit 2026 Agenda
The AI Impact Summit 2026 represents the fourth edition of a global series of AI forums. The first such summit was hosted in the United Kingdom to create a platform where political leaders and frontier AI CEOs could address potential existential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
This year’s edition marks the first time the summit is being held in the Global South, following earlier meetings in Seoul and Paris. The forum itself is not a formal grouping of countries; participation is determined by invitations issued by the host nation.
The summit has three primary objectives:
Leveraging AI to empower people and drive innovation
Positioning India as a global AI service provider
Democratising access to compute infrastructure, datasets, and algorithms
To achieve these goals, the summit includes seven thematic working groups, referred to as “chakras,” covering:
Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency
Human Capital
Safe & Trusted AI
Science
Democratising AI Resources
Inclusion for Social Empowerment
AI for Social Good and Economic Development
AI Impact Summit 2026 Venue
Bharat Mandapam serves as the principal venue for the summit. The AI Impact Expo is being hosted in the exhibition halls, while plenary sessions and panel discussions are taking place at the convention centre and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
A government circular noted that certain areas within the venue may remain temporarily restricted depending on programme schedules and security requirements.
Key Events Scheduled At AI Impact Summit 2026 Across Five Days
February 16
The opening day features keynote addresses, policy-focused panel discussions, and expert roundtables. The AI Expo is also being inaugurated. Events are distributed across the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, and Ambedkar Bhawan, while the Expo is located in the Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena.
February 17
The second day includes additional keynote sessions, panels, and roundtables, along with the launch of Knowledge Compendiums. These include casebooks on AI applications in health, energy, education, agriculture, gender empowerment, and disabilities. A seminar on Applied AI is also scheduled.
February 18
A Research Symposium will bring together academics, researchers, and think tanks to present cutting-edge AI research, methodologies, and policy insights. This will be followed by an industry session at Bharat Mandapam. Finalists of the AI by HER – Global Impact Challenge are expected to demonstrate solutions addressing large-scale public challenges. A Summit Dinner is planned at the convention centre, although attendance details remain unclear.
February 19
This marks the first official day of the main summit and will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi during an invite-only ceremony at the convention centre. Venue access will be restricted, though registered attendees may visit the Expo Arena between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.
The opening ceremony will be followed by a Leaders’ Plenary and a CEOs’ roundtable addressed by the Prime Minister, along with additional keynote sessions and discussions later in the day.
February 20
On the final day, member countries of the GPAI Council will meet to review progress, align priorities, and strengthen multilateral cooperation on responsible and inclusive AI. The summit declaration is also expected to be adopted, with India reportedly advocating for a trusted AI commons and a global AI governance framework.
Officials noted that the agenda remains tentative and may be revised. Livestream links for sessions will be available on the official IndiaAI website.
AI Impact Summit 2026: Registration and Participation Process
Delegates can register through the official summit website without any fee. After submitting required details, applicants must verify their email using an OTP. Confirmation emails will follow, including an approval message and a QR code for entry.
The QR code can be used for access at Bharat Mandapam Gates 4 and 10, and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan Gate 2. Participants must carry a valid government-issued photo ID, while international visitors are required to present passports along with invitations, badges, or QR codes.
Transport Advisory and Parking Arrangements For AI Impact Summit 2026
Authorities have strongly encouraged registered delegates to use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro. The Pragati Maidan metro station is the closest access point, with entry to the venue available through Gate 10.
Due to limited parking availability, Delhi Police has advised delegates to prefer taxis over private vehicles. However, limited parking spaces have been designated at the Delhi Zoo, Purana Qila Parking, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Shuttle services will operate between these parking locations and Bharat Mandapam Gate 4.
Gate 4 will remain open for entry from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm only. After 2:00 pm, access will be regulated or restricted in accordance with security protocols.
Delegates can use golf carts within the Bharat Mandapam complex to reach different venues.
Gate-Wise Entry Instructions For AI Impact Summit 2026
Bharat Mandapam Gate 7
The ministry stated that Gate 7 entry will be operational only after 2:00 pm. Before that time, delegates may be dropped off near Gate 7 and proceed through the Business Plaza to reach the convention centre.
Access through other designated gates will remain subject to security clearance and movement restrictions.
Sushma Swaraj Bhawan Access
Delegates attending events at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan are also advised to use public transport or cabs due to limited parking. Entry will be permitted through Gate 2 for pedestrians, metro users, drop-offs, and self-drive vehicles.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
