Timeline
February 16, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: How the India AI Impact Summit 2026 Unfolded Over Five Days
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together world leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers in New Delhi from February 16-20, 2026. As the first major global AI summit hosted by a developing nation, it focused on AI governance, safety concerns, and cooperation while serving as a backdrop for significant diplomatic and defense negotiations between India and France. The event marked a pivotal moment for India's emergence as a major AI player and efforts to democratize AI development beyond US-China dominance.
10 events · 3 days · 30 source articles
Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Major
India AI Impact Summit opens in New Delhi with global leaders and tech CEOs
The five-day AI Impact Summit begins in New Delhi, marking the first time such a major AI gathering is hosted in the global south. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the event expecting over 250,000 visitors, with attendees including 20 heads of state and tech leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The agenda includes job disruption, child safety, AI governance, and global collaboration, though some warn the broad focus may hinder concrete commitments.
Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Moderate
France and India position AI cooperation as strategic partnership
As the summit progresses, French-Indian relations take center stage with both nations seeking to leverage AI cooperation to challenge US and China dominance. India announces $1.1 billion in funding for its state-backed venture capital initiatives, signaling its ambition to become what Google CEO Sundar Pichai would later call a 'full-stack AI nation.'
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Macron arrives in India as massive Rafale fighter jet deal nears approval
French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day visit to India, arriving just as preliminary approval is granted for a blockbuster defense deal. The $35 billion agreement for over 114 Rafale fighter jets would be the largest-ever for both India and Dassault Aviation. The visit combines defense negotiations with participation in the AI summit, demonstrating the intertwining of military and technological partnerships.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Modi and Macron hold joint press event in Mumbai on AI and defense cooperation
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron meet in Mumbai for bilateral talks focused on expanding military partnerships and AI collaboration. The leaders praise growing ties amid economic uncertainty caused by US President Trump's tariff policies. India's defense ministry clears the path for the 30+ billion euro Rafale deal, while both countries seek to diversify their strategic partnerships.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Moderate
Summit shifts focus from AI model races to scaled deployment and public infrastructure
As discussions progress, analysts note the summit is successfully reframing AI priorities away from the capital-intensive race to build powerful models toward practical deployment at scale. The event offers emerging and middle-ranking economies a chance to position AI as public infrastructure for services like healthcare and education, rather than attempting to outspend the US and China in technology development.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Major
India and France upgrade defense ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'
Modi and Macron elevate bilateral relations by renewing a 10-year defense cooperation agreement and establishing a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership.' The comprehensive agreement covers more than 20 areas including missile production, AI collaboration, trade, and taxation. Analysts interpret this as India's drive to reduce dependence on foreign arms imports while strengthening security relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Moderate
Google CEO declares India can become a 'full-stack AI nation'
Sundar Pichai addresses the summit, stating that India is entering a decade-long AI transformation that could reshape everyday life. He emphasizes that the country's investments in research and technology will determine its AI future, with potential to transform education, healthcare, and startups. His comments underscore India's ambition to be a comprehensive AI leader, not just a participant.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Minor
Modi poses with tech titans including Altman and Pichai at summit
Prime Minister Modi participates in photo opportunities with major technology leaders including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, symbolizing India's positioning as a central player in global AI discussions. However, tensions surface as Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei notably refuse to hold hands during a group photo, highlighting ongoing rivalry between their companies.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
UN chief and world leaders warn against AI control by 'few billionaires'
On the summit's fourth and most high-profile day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that AI's future should not be left to 'the whims of a few billionaires,' calling for open access and evidence-based policy over hype and fear. President Macron tells the summit that Europe is determined to 'shape rules' with allies including India, positioning Europe as a safe space for innovation that protects against digital abuse.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
India-France port partnership advances trade corridor to rival China's Belt and Road
India's Adani Ports and France's Port of Marseille Fos sign a memorandum of understanding to create an 'IMEC Ports Club,' strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The agreement marks progress on the 6,000km multimodal transport initiative first announced in 2023, which analysts view as a potential rival to China's Belt and Road Initiative. The partnership demonstrates how the summit facilitated broader strategic cooperation beyond AI.
Share this story