Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 23, 2026
World
Timeline: How India's AI Impact Summit Unfolded Over Five Days
In February 2026, India hosted a major global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, tech CEOs, and UN officials to discuss AI governance, regulation, and access. The event highlighted deep divisions between those advocating for global AI governance and the US position rejecting international oversight, while India positioned itself as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.
14 events · 5 days · 23 source articles
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Summit's high-profile fourth day begins with tech titans and world leaders
The most prominent day of India's AI Impact Summit commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi posing alongside major tech leaders including OpenAI's Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Anthropic's Dario Amodei. World leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres also took the floor to discuss AI's future, with topics including job disruption, child safety, and regulation dominating the agenda.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
UN chief warns against leaving AI to 'a few billionaires'
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark warning that AI's future cannot be left to 'the whims of a few billionaires.' He called for AI to belong to everyone and urged tech tycoons to support a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to the technology for all nations. His message emphasized replacing 'hype and fear with sharing evidence.'
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Macron champions European AI regulation and 'safe space' for innovation
French President Emmanuel Macron told the summit that France and the EU would continue leading global AI regulation in partnership with allies including India. He described Europe as 'a safe space' for innovation and investment that protects children from digital abuse, setting up a contrast with other regulatory approaches.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Minor
Altman and Amodei refuse to hold hands in awkward photo moment
In a viral moment highlighting AI industry rivalries, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei conspicuously refused to hold hands when Prime Minister Modi prompted speakers to join hands in a show of unity. All other executives on stage obliged, but the two fierce competitors held their hands noticeably apart, underscoring tensions that had escalated after Anthropic ran attack ads against OpenAI during the Super Bowl.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
India and France sign port partnership to advance trade corridor
India's Adani Ports and France's Port of Marseille Fos signed a memorandum of understanding to create an 'IMEC Ports Club,' marking a key step toward realizing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The agreement, signed on the summit's sidelines, aims to strengthen trade connectivity and could rival China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Google announces major AI investment in Visakhapatnam
Google CEO Sundar Pichai unveiled a major infrastructure commitment to India, announcing that Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is transforming into a global AI hub following Google's significant investment. Pichai described AI as 'the biggest platform shift of our lifetimes' and highlighted India's central role in AI deployment and diffusion.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Modi calls for AI democratization and responsible governance frameworks
Prime Minister Modi addressed the summit calling for responsible frameworks for AI governance and its democratization to ensure global access. He emphasized that AI must be developed so 'humans don't just become a data point or remain raw material for AI,' striking a balance between embracing innovation and ensuring human-centric development. Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates notably canceled his appearance at the event.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Moderate
Leaders prepare joint approach as Altman warns regulation is 'urgent'
As the five-day summit approached its conclusion, dozens of world leaders and ministers prepared to present a joint approach to AI. OpenAI chief Sam Altman warned that regulation is 'urgent' as booming generative AI fuels both profits and societal and environmental concerns, signaling industry acknowledgment of governance needs.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Minor
Indian AI-linked stocks surge amid summit optimism
Indian data center-related shares rallied during the summit week as Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's ambition to emerge as a global AI hub in the presence of major AI leaders. The market response reflected investor enthusiasm about India's positioning in the global AI ecosystem.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
US 'totally rejects' global AI governance in stark break with other nations
White House technology adviser Michael Kratsios delivered a bombshell statement that the US 'totally' rejects global governance of AI, arguing that 'risk-focused obsessions' inhibit a 'competitive ecosystem.' This position directly contradicted calls from the UN, France, and other nations for coordinated international AI oversight, revealing a fundamental divide in approaches.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Moderate
Google DeepMind boss calls for urgent AI safety research
Sir Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind told BBC News that more research on AI threats 'needs to be done urgently' and that the industry wants 'smart regulation' for 'the real risks' posed by the technology. His call for urgent safety research came amid the broader debate about global governance at the summit.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Moderate
Summit focuses on AI bias, ownership, and governance questions
As the summit continued, experts and leaders debated fundamental questions about AI governance, including who owns AI, how AI amplifies user biases, and the need for shared global stances on the technology. The discussions reflected ongoing uncertainty about how to balance innovation with safety and equity concerns.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Final declaration avoids binding safety commitments
The global AI declaration signed at the summit recognized 'the importance of security' but notably did not include any binding measures on how to keep the technology safe. Dozens of countries steered clear of making firm safety commitments, reflecting the difficulty of achieving consensus on AI governance among diverse national interests.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
89 countries including US sign non-binding AI declaration
The US joined 88 other countries and organizations in signing a non-binding declaration committing to a 'shared global vision' on AI following the summit's conclusion. The document laid out seven key pillars for AI development, including democratizing AI resources, but contained no enforceable requirements, reflecting the US position against binding international governance while maintaining symbolic unity.
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