India to Host Global AI Summit 2026 as Modi Unveils $12B Research Fund

India has announced that it will host the Global AI Summit in February 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s push to lead the world in ethical and human-centric artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on Monday while unveiling a massive Rs 1 lakh crore ($12 billion) research and innovation fund during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Global AI Summit 2026

The initiative aims to position India as a global hub for responsible AI research while strengthening collaboration between government, academia, and private industries.

“India is shaping a global framework for ethical and human-centric AI,” Modi said during his address. “This Rs 1 lakh crore is for you — to increase your capabilities and open new opportunities.”

Table of Contents

Major Push for High-Risk Research

The newly launched Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund represents one of India’s largest ever investments in science and technology. The fund will primarily target high-risk, high-impact projects, encouraging private sector participation in deep technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing.

Unlike previous initiatives, this fund will provide low or zero-interest loans instead of direct grants — a model designed to promote accountability and long-term growth rather than short-term dependence on subsidies.

According to officials, this is the first time India has created a dedicated capital pool for risk-heavy R&D ventures, signaling a shift toward encouraging innovation with a commercial and global focus.

Key Features of RDI Scheme Fund	Details
Total Allocation	Rs 1 lakh crore ($12 billion USD)
Focus Areas	AI, robotics, quantum tech, space research
Funding Type	Low or zero-interest loans
Objective	Support high-risk, high-impact private research
Launch Platform	ESTIC 2025, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The government also plans to simplify regulatory processes through a new “ease of doing research” framework that will streamline funding approvals and collaborations between startups and research institutions.

Building India’s AI Mission

The announcement is closely tied to the ongoing India AI Mission, a national effort aimed at ensuring artificial intelligence benefits every sector of the economy — from retail and healthcare to agriculture, logistics, and education.

So far, India has already invested more than Rs 10,000 crore in the AI Mission, with a focus on developing AI models that are inclusive, transparent, and safe. Modi said that when India hosts the Global AI Summit 2026, these initiatives will gain “new momentum” and create a global platform for sharing best practices in responsible AI.

“When India hosts the Global AI Summit next year, our efforts for inclusive, ethical, and human-centric AI will move forward faster than ever,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s approach to AI differs from that of other nations. Rather than focusing only on automation or profit, India’s AI vision is “human-first”, aiming to improve daily life while protecting social values and data privacy.

Ethical AI and Global Leadership

India’s upcoming AI Governance Framework is expected to serve as a foundation for this approach. The framework will define ethical standards, risk guidelines, and accountability measures for AI deployment.

According to government sources, the framework will address issues such as:

Algorithmic transparency to ensure explainable AI systems.
Data protection to safeguard personal and enterprise information.
AI fairness and bias checks to prevent discrimination in automated decisions.
Cross-border collaboration to align India’s ethics-driven AI policies with global standards.

The timing of the framework’s release—just months before the Global AI Summit 2026—reflects India’s intent to play a leadership role in shaping international norms around artificial intelligence.

Experts believe that by combining ethics, innovation, and policy, India could emerge as one of the few nations capable of bridging the gap between AI development and responsible governance.

India’s Path to a Developed Tech Nation

The 2026 Global AI Summit is expected to draw leading researchers, global CEOs, and policymakers to New Delhi, further cementing India’s position as a rising AI power.

The summit will not only showcase India’s scientific achievements but also promote collaboration in AI safety, sustainability, and cross-border data sharing. With initiatives like the RDI Fund and the AI Mission, India is signaling that its next growth phase will be powered by responsible innovation.

As Modi summed up at ESTIC 2025, “The time has come for India to lead the world not just in technology, but in the values that guide its use.”

References: