Washington buzzed with optimism as top diplomats from India and France positioned New Delhi’s forthcoming AI Impact Summit as a landmark for emerging economies. During a key CSIS panel, Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Laurent Bily outlined how the February 2026 gathering will prioritize inclusive growth and on-ground AI applications over mere policy talks.
For the first time, a summit of this scale lands in the Global South, Kwatra noted, underscoring its role in proving AI’s universal value. Structured around ‘people, planet, and prosperity,’ the event seeks to democratize AI, ensuring it’s user-friendly and massively deployable.
Building on Paris 2025’s momentum, Bily explained how India-France collaboration is now driving practical AI adoption. Expect sustainability-focused workshops, alongside an expansive expo, industry leader dialogues, and high-level announcements integrating research, business, and governance.
The duo advocated for cohesive international AI norms that respect national contexts, avoiding fragmented regulations. Bily pointed to Europe’s post-Paris investment surge in AI infrastructure, mirrored in India’s tech boom with multinational commitments to computing and energy needs.
India’s demographic scale and digital surge make it ideal for piloting expansive AI initiatives, Kwatra affirmed. This summit extends the legacy of events in London, Seoul, and Paris, heralding a new era where developing nations shape AI’s future with emphasis on real impacts.
