New Delhi, February 20: During a press conference at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that over 500,000 visitors attended the event. He highlighted that attendees enjoyed exhibitions, engaged with global experts, and learned about new technologies. Major AI players from around the world participated in large numbers, providing numerous startups the opportunity to showcase their innovations.
The minister stated that the journey so far has been highly meaningful and well-organized. India has laid the foundation for its first AI stack, worked on its various layers, and now offers a platform for global discussions and collaborations. He mentioned that the next phase of the AI mission will focus on new models, enhanced computing capabilities, and improved security standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Human AI’ (AI for human, by human, for human) has received widespread global support. The minister noted that discussions on responsible and ethical AI have been advanced, involving around 250,000 students in this initiative. He added that ministers and representatives from nearly every country appeared to agree with this perspective.
Vaishnaw also revealed that significant investment commitments have emerged in the AI sector. So far, more than $250 billion has been pledged for infrastructure-related investments, along with approximately $20 billion in deep-tech venture capital commitments. He emphasized that this figure is continuously rising, reflecting the growing global confidence in India’s role.
He further mentioned that over 70 countries have signed the final declaration of the summit, with expectations that this number will exceed 80 by the conclusion. He clarified that all major and significant countries have supported this initiative.
To enhance AI security, India has established a network of 12 institutions focused on safety standards and research related to AI. Additionally, the signing of the ‘Pax Silica’ agreement aims to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain and chip manufacturing, marking a crucial step towards developing a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem in India.
He concluded by stating that India possesses a vast talent pool, and its balanced foreign policy has fostered a climate of trust globally. This is why the world is increasingly recognizing India’s significant role in the new era of AI.
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