🤖 India AI Impact Expo 2026

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event serves as a national demonstration of "AI in Action," bringing together global tech leaders to bridge policy and practice.

600+ Startups
13 Country Pavilions
2.5 Lakh Visitors

🌍 Themes & Strategic Pillars

Spread across 70,000 square meters, the Expo is structured around three core "Chakras" that define the future of humanity, alongside robust international collaboration.

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The Three Chakras
The event is themed around People (Samaj), Planet (Prithvi), and Progress (Vikas), ensuring AI benefits are inclusive and sustainable.
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Global Partners
Featuring 13 international pavilions including Australia, Japan, UK, France, and Germany, fostering a cross-border exchange of ideas.
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Innovation at Scale
Startups will demonstrate population-scale solutions that are already deployed in real-world settings, moving from "Lab to Land."

🚀 The Startup Ecosystem

A central pillar of the Expo is the participation of over 600 high-potential startups. These innovators are not just presenting concepts but are showcasing working, population-scale solutions.

  • 🦄 Real-World Impact: Solutions on display are already deployed in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning.
  • 🌏 Global Relevance: Technologies designed to be scalable across the "Global South," offering affordable alternatives to western tech.

📚 UPSC Corner: Prelims Quiz

1. Where is the India AI Impact Expo 2026 being held?
  • A) Yashobhoomi, Dwarka
  • B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  • C) GIFT City, Gujarat
  • D) Bangalore International Exhibition Centre
Answer: B
2. Which three themes (Chakras) structure the exhibition?
  • A) Past, Present, Future
  • B) Digital, Physical, Biological
  • C) People, Planet, Progress
  • D) Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
Answer: C

📝 Mains Practice Questions & Model Answers

Q1. "India is moving from being a consumer of data to a creator of intelligence." Discuss the significance of events like the AI Impact Expo in establishing India's position in the Global AI Order. (GS-3: Science & Tech) - 250 Words
Model Answer Synopsis
Introduction The India AI Impact Expo 2026 signifies a paradigm shift where India asserts itself not just as a market for AI products, but as a global hub for ethical and scalable AI solutions.
Soft Power Diplomacy 1. Global Convergence: Hosting pavilions from 13 nations, including G7 members like Japan, UK, and France, positions India as a neutral, collaborative ground for AI governance.
2. Global South Leadership: By showcasing affordable, population-scale solutions, India offers a template for developing nations, distinct from the proprietary models of the West.
Lab to Land Connect The focus on "People, Planet, Progress" shifts the narrative from theoretical AI to practical utility. Startups demonstrating solutions in healthcare (People) and climate (Planet) prove that Indian AI is purpose-driven.
Conclusion Such expos are critical for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the deep-tech sector and validating India's readiness to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Source Information: PIB Release ID: 2228350 (Feb 15, 2026)
Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi to Inaugurate India AI Impact Expo 2026: A Global Tech Spectacle