From Paris to Delhi: How the AI Impact Summit Is Redefining AI Diplomacy
“The international discourse on artificial intelligence is rapidly unfolding, and the AI Impact Summit in Delhi heralds a paradigm shift in AI diplomacy,” says Dr Debapriya Basu of the Indian Council for Research in International Affairs. On the heels of the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, co-chaired by President of France Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit is set to take place in New Delhi in February 2026.
“This sequence—from Paris to Delhi—symbolises the shift towards more inclusive, action-oriented global AI governance, amplifying voices from the Global South, yet also drawing upon frameworks that already exist as a result of summits such as Bletchley Park in 2023 and Seoul in 2024.”
Special Developments and Diplomatic Movement
The Paris summit focused on innovation, public interest in AI, sustainability, and the impact on the workforce, with over 1,000 delegates from more than 100 countries. The summit made commitments in open models, energy efficiency, and bridging digital divides.
Redefining AI Diplomacy: Core Themes
The summit at Delhi focuses on “AI for All” and tries to bridge the gaps that exist concerning “compute power, data, and talent”—very pertinent to the developing countries.
From Vision to Action
Moving from safe dialogue to impact-driven implementation and examples of challenges related to YUVAi (youth innovation), AI for Social Good, and more.
Multilateral Collaboration
Among those expected at the event are in excess of 100 CEOs, including Altman Sam and Jensen Huang, in addition to Brazil and global leaders.
AI Summits Progression Snapshot
| Summit | Location & Year | Key Focus | Notable Outcomes/Co-Chairs |
| AI Safety Summit | Bletchley Park, UK (2023) | Catastrophic risks | Bletchley Declaration |
| AI Seoul Summit | Seoul, South Korea (2024) | Balanced safety & innovation | Network of AI Safety Institutes |
| AI Action Summit | Paris, France (2025) | Innovation, sustainability, jobs | Inclusive AI commitments; Macron-Modi co-chair |
| AI Impact Summit | Delhi, India (2026) | Real-world impact, Global South | Actionable deliverables; India host |
Conclusion
The Paris to Delhi series in the AI Impact Summit is transforming AI diplomas with a focus on equity, delivery, and diversity. The hosting of this historic event by India, as well as its involvement with the IndiaAI Mission, presents an opportunity to bridge gaps between North and South countries, promote ethical application, and move other countries forward during this time of technological advancements.
FAQs
What is the AI Impact Summit in Delhi?
The AI Impact Summit, set to take place on 19-20 February 2026 in New Delhi, is a world meeting aimed at having inclusive applications in artificial intelligence and will mark a milestone as the first in the Global South region, following the 2025 Paris AI Action Summit.
What is the relevance of the Paris AI Action Summit to the Delhi summit?
The 2025 Paris summit, co-chaired by Macron and Modi, provided a way forward on responsible AI; Modi announced a follow-up meeting in Delhi, and Macron is scheduled to attend.
Why is it important that there be an AI Impact Summit?
Instead, it helps to move the conversation on security issues led by the West to the impact-based and equitable outcomes of the Global South.
Who is going to the 2026 AI Impact Summit?
Attendees may include world CEOs such as Sam Altman and Jensen Huang, heads of state such as President Macron and potentially Brazil’s President Lula, researchers, startups, and civil society groups.
What are some of the prime themes in the Delhi AI Impact Summit?
Some topics that are being discussed include AI for good, talent transitions, sustainability, gender equity, young innovators, and closing the digital divide.
