India AI Summit 2026 Day 5 highlights: All major countries signed AI Impact Summit declaration, says Vaishnaw
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates • U.S. 'totally' rejects global AI governance: White House adviser • Andhra Pradesh Government signs seven MoUs for infra creation • 10 detained for staging protest at AI Impact Summit expo hall • India signs agreement to join U.S.-led Pax Silica Declaration • February 20, 2026 20:23 Tharoor bats for open data regulatory framework with strong privacy protectionAsserting that open data can be genuinely transformative, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday batted for a credible regulatory framework for it and asserted that strong anonymisation and privacy protection must be ensured so that transparency does not come at the cost of individual rights.He said the task is not to choose between openness and control but to design systems that honour both, and asserted that India, alongside its partners, has the opportunity to help define the rules of a fairer digital order, rather than submit to subaltern status under a new extractive ‘Digital Raj’.Speaking at a session at the India AI Impact Summit titled ‘Exploring a Regulatory Framework for Open Data’, Mr. Tharoor stressed that openness alone is not a panacea, as without safeguards, openness may devolve into tokenism.“We all know open data can be genuinely transformative. We have seen how making government data publicly accessible can strengthen democratic accountability – whether it is citizens tracking public spending, researchers analysing welfare delivery, or civil society organisations flagging gaps in implementation,” Mr. Tharoor said.-PTI Asserting that open data can be genuinely transformative, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday batted for a credible regulatory framework for it and asserted that strong anonymisation and privacy protection must be ensured so that transparency does not come at the cost of individual rights. He said the task is not to choose between openness and control but to design systems that honour both, and asserted that India, alongside its partners, has the opportunity to help define the rules of a fairer digital order, rather than submit to subaltern status under a new extractive ‘Digital Raj’. Speaking at a session at the India AI Impact Summit titled ‘Exploring a Regulatory Framework for Open Data’, Mr. Tharoor stressed that openness alone is not a panacea, as without safeguards, openness may devolve into tokenism. “We all know open data can be genuinely transformative. We have seen how making government data publicly accessible can strengthen democratic accountability – whether it is citizens tracking public spending, researchers analysing welfare delivery, or civil society organisations flagging gaps in implementation,” Mr. Tharoor said. • February 20, 2026 20:14 Effective public policy essential for AI to reach its full potential: OECD Secretary GeneralEffective public policy is essential for Artificial Intelligence to reach its full potential amid rapid technological changes and massive investment flows, according to the Paris-based OECD.The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is a global policy forum and works with over 100 countries.“While AI adoption offers many opportunities, it also carries the risk of job displacement for some. We estimate that taking effects of AI, about 27 per cent of employment is in occupations that are at the highest risk of automation. It is particularly important to ensure access to training opportunities to those who need the most...,” OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said.He also mentioned that to improve participation in AI training among adults, learning needs to be more flexible, modular and targeted to individual circumstances in job experiences.-PTI Effective public policy is essential for Artificial Intelligence to reach its full potential amid rapid technological changes and massive investment flows, according to the Paris-based OECD. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is a global policy forum and works with over 100 countries. “While AI adoption offers many opportunities, it also carries the risk of job displacement for some. We estimate that taking effects of AI, about 27 per cent of employment is in occupations that are at the highest risk of automation. It is particularly important to ensure access to training opportunities to those who need the most...,” OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said. He also mentioned that to improve participation in AI training among adults, learning needs to be more flexible, modular and targeted to individual circumstances in job experiences. • February 20, 2026 19:54 BLUE launches AI-powered video data technology for CCTV analyticsBengaluru-based AI startup BLUE on Friday said it has launched a video data technology that enables organisations to store, search and use CCTV footage more efficiently.The company said the innovation - Semantic Video Data Lake - is powered by a proprietary AI (artificial intelligence) engine that delivers up to 90 per cent compression across CCTV camera feeds.Unlike traditional systems that store raw footage filled with redundant pixels, BLUE extracts meaning from video - identifying events, behaviours and operational signals - and stores this as structured semantic data, it said.This creates a video data lake where businesses can ask questions and receive answers directly from their data.-PTI Bengaluru-based AI startup BLUE on Friday said it has launched a video data technology that enables organisations to store, search and use CCTV footage more efficiently. The company said the innovation - Semantic Video Data Lake - is powered by a proprietary AI (artificial intelligence) engine that delivers up to 90 per cent compression across CCTV camera feeds. Unlike traditional systems that store raw footage filled with redundant pixels, BLUE extracts meaning from video - identifying events, behaviours and operational signals - and stores this as structured semantic data, it said. This creates a video data lake where businesses can ask questions and receive answers directly from their data. • February 20, 2026 19:48 All major countries signed India AI Impact Summit declaration; tally likely to cross 80: VaishnawAll major nations, which matter in the artificial intelligence space, have signed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 declaration, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The Minister said that over 70 countries have already signed the declaration, and the number is expected to cross 80.“I would also like to share with you that the action summit, the previous one, had about 60 signatories in the final declaration. We have already crossed 70. We believe that it will cross 80. All the major countries have already signed,” Mr. Vaishnaw said at the summit.He said many foreign ministers are discussing it with the Indian government, and the final number will be shared on Saturday (February 21, 2026).-PTI All major nations, which matter in the artificial intelligence space, have signed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 declaration, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The Minister said that over 70 countries have already signed the declaration, and the number is expected to cross 80. “I would also like to share with you that the action summit, the previous one, had about 60 signatories in the final declaration. We have already crossed 70. We believe that it will cross 80. All the major countries have already signed,” Mr. Vaishnaw said at the summit. He said many foreign ministers are discussing it with the Indian government, and the final number will be shared on Saturday (February 21, 2026). • February 20, 2026 19:18 India super-fortunate to have young people embracing AI, policymakers giving digital push: IMF chiefIndia is “super fortunate” to have a youthful population that is embracing AI, and policymakers are investing in digital public infrastructure and removing barriers to entrepreneurship, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said. Ms. Georgieva also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron for taking AI on a “productive journey”.“To Prime Minister Modi, thank you for embracing the theme of democratisation of AI,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026. Urging policymakers to be “agile” with regard to AI, Ms. Georgieva said the IMF will continue to work with countries to understand what is happening in AI and then how to project it for policies for the future.-PTI India is “super fortunate” to have a youthful population that is embracing AI, and policymakers are investing in digital public infrastructure and removing barriers to entrepreneurship, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said. Ms. Georgieva also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron for taking AI on a “productive journey”. “To Prime Minister Modi, thank you for embracing the theme of democratisation of AI,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026. Urging policymakers to be “agile” with regard to AI, Ms. Georgieva said the IMF will continue to work with countries to understand what is happening in AI and then how to project it for policies for the future. • February 20, 2026 18:53 BJYM protests outside Rahul Gandhi's residence over shirtless protest • February 20, 2026 18:52 PM Modi holds roundtable with 16 heads of AI, deeptech startupsPrime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings that included a roundtable with CEOs and founders of 16 AI and deeptech startups, seven back-to-back bilaterals and separate meetings with heads of two leading firms.During the roundtable, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) in different sectors, such as agriculture and environmental protection, and promoting higher education in the mother tongue, among others, with the CEOs and founders of 16 AI and deeptech startups.The CEOs and founders presented their ideas and work during the interaction, officials said.-PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings that included a roundtable with CEOs and founders of 16 AI and deeptech startups, seven back-to-back bilaterals and separate meetings with heads of two leading firms. During the roundtable, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) in different sectors, such as agriculture and environmental protection, and promoting higher education in the mother tongue, among others, with the CEOs and founders of 16 AI and deeptech startups. The CEOs and founders presented their ideas and work during the interaction, officials said. • February 20, 2026 18:40 AI must not be a force that replaces humans: Fujitsu President Takahito TokitaArtificial intelligence must not be a force that replaces people or become a threat to human autonomy; its fundamental role must be to augment individual capabilities that are unique to mankind, Fujitsu President and CEO Takahito Tokita said. To fully integrate AI into society and businesses, a powerful and trusted AI infrastructure is essential, Mr. Tokita said at the AI Impact Summit.“At Fujitsu, our purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation,” he added.Outlining the company’s vision for an AI-driven society, he said, “AI must not be a force that replaces people or become a threat to human autonomy”.-PTI Artificial intelligence must not be a force that replaces people or become a threat to human autonomy; its fundamental role must be to augment individual capabilities that are unique to mankind, Fujitsu President and CEO Takahito Tokita said. To fully integrate AI into society and businesses, a powerful and trusted AI infrastructure is essential, Mr. Tokita said at the AI Impact Summit. “At Fujitsu, our purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation,” he added. Outlining the company’s vision for an AI-driven society, he said, “AI must not be a force that replaces people or become a threat to human autonomy”. • February 20, 2026 18:24 Protest at AI Summit: Four Youth Congress workers arrestedDelhi Police on Friday (February 20, 2026) arrested four Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers in connection with the protest at the AI Impact Summit venue here and is probing a wider conspiracy angle in the case, an official said.Earlier in the day, they had detained around 15 IYC workers for holding a ‘shirtless protest’ inside an exhibition hall at the Summit, holding T-shirts printed with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump along with slogans against the government and the India-U.S. deal.The arrested accused have been identified as Krishna Hari, national secretary of Youth Congress from Bihar; Kundan Yadav, state secretary of Bihar; Ajay Kumar, state president of Uttar Pradesh; and Narasimha Yadav from Telangana, he said.Police said all the four accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court later in the day; an FIR is being registered and several serious charges are being invoked.-PTI Delhi Police on Friday (February 20, 2026) arrested four Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers in connection with the protest at the AI Impact Summit venue here and is probing a wider conspiracy angle in the case, an official said. Earlier in the day, they had detained around 15 IYC workers for holding a ‘shirtless protest’ inside an exhibition hall at the Summit, holding T-shirts printed with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump along with slogans against the government and the India-U.S. deal. The arrested accused have been identified as Krishna Hari, national secretary of Youth Congress from Bihar; Kundan Yadav, state secretary of Bihar; Ajay Kumar, state president of Uttar Pradesh; and Narasimha Yadav from Telangana, he said. Police said all the four accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court later in the day; an FIR is being registered and several serious charges are being invoked. • February 20, 2026 18:19 India can double its share in global media with AI adoption, JioStar Vice Chairman Uday ShankarIndia has the opportunity to double its share in the global media market through bold adoption of artificial intelligence, JioStar India Vice Chairman Uday Shankar on Friday (February 20, 2026) said, urging industry stakeholders to embrace disruption rather than resist it.The global media market is valued at nearly $3 trillion, and is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2029, said Uday Shankar in his keynote address at the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026.“India’s share is currently less than 2%. AI offers the potential to explore our share in this pie. Even a modest shift in our share of global revenue from 2% to 4% or 5% would represent tens of billions of dollars in new value creation and could be transformational for a large segment of our people,” he said.-PTI India has the opportunity to double its share in the global media market through bold adoption of artificial intelligence, JioStar India Vice Chairman Uday Shankar on Friday (February 20, 2026) said, urging industry stakeholders to embrace disruption rather than resist it. The global media market is valued at nearly $3 trillion, and is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2029, said Uday Shankar in his keynote address at the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026. “India’s share is currently less than 2%. AI offers the potential to explore our share in this pie. Even a modest shift in our share of global revenue from 2% to 4% or 5% would represent tens of billions of dollars in new value creation and could be transformational for a large segment of our people,” he said. • February 20, 2026 18:08 AI can lift global growth, help India achieve Viksit Bharat goal, but poses high risk to jobs: IMF chiefIMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday (February 20, 2026) said artificial intelligence could lift global growth by 0.8% and help India achieve the Viksit Bharat goal, but poses significant risk of displacement of jobs and financial stability.While being optimistic about the technology, Ms. Georgieva cautioned against “sugarcoating” the impact of AI and called for striking a balance between building and managing AI as a ‘force for good, or a force for evil’.“AI can lift up global growth by almost a percentage point. We say 0.8%. It would mean that the world would grow faster than it did before the COVID pandemic. And that is fantastic for creating more opportunities, more jobs. This is the magnitude that we see for India, and it would mean that India’s Viksit Bharat is achievable,” Ms. Georgieva said at the AI Impact Summit, 2026.She said AI creates potential for countries that go fast on digital infrastructure, skills, and adoption of AI, and countries must embrace the opportunities, while being mindful of the risks.-PTI IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday (February 20, 2026) said artificial intelligence could lift global growth by 0.8% and help India achieve the Viksit Bharat goal, but poses significant risk of displacement of jobs and financial stability. While being optimistic about the technology, Ms. Georgieva cautioned against “sugarcoating” the impact of AI and called for striking a balance between building and managing AI as a ‘force for good, or a force for evil’. “AI can lift up global growth by almost a percentage point. We say 0.8%. It would mean that the world would grow faster than it did before the COVID pandemic. And that is fantastic for creating more opportunities, more jobs. This is the magnitude that we see for India, and it would mean that India’s Viksit Bharat is achievable,” Ms. Georgieva said at the AI Impact Summit, 2026. She said AI creates potential for countries that go fast on digital infrastructure, skills, and adoption of AI, and countries must embrace the opportunities, while being mindful of the risks. • February 20, 2026 17:49 PM Modi meets OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on sidelines of AI SummitPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 20, 2026) held a bilateral meeting with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit in the national capital.Prior to his meeting with the OpenAI CEO, the Prime Minister met with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm. The Prime Minister met the Tech Giants at the Hyderabad House.Delivering his keynote address at the Summit, Mr. Altman said India’s rapid adoption of AI technologies and its push toward sovereign AI infrastructure position it uniquely in the global technology landscape.-PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 20, 2026) held a bilateral meeting with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit in the national capital. Prior to his meeting with the OpenAI CEO, the Prime Minister met with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm. The Prime Minister met the Tech Giants at the Hyderabad House. Delivering his keynote address at the Summit, Mr. Altman said India’s rapid adoption of AI technologies and its push toward sovereign AI infrastructure position it uniquely in the global technology landscape. • February 20, 2026 17:38 Indian Youth Congress defends AI Summit protest, says 'peaceful demonstration' democratic rightAfter a row erupted on Friday (February 20, 2026) over the Indian Youth Congress’ dramatic ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in the national capital, the organisation said that dissent is a democratic right and that the ‘peaceful’ demonstration was aimed at safeguarding national interests.In a statement, IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib said, “Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth.” He clarified that the organisation was not against the AI Summit but against “any compromise with India’s interests.”Mr. Chib further alleged that farmers were being “compromised”, “anti-India trade agreements” were being signed, and the youth were being pushed into “hate politics while being kept unemployed.”He further alleged that if they protest on the streets, they are stopped. Social media posts critical of the government are removed under the guise of the IT rules.-PTI After a row erupted on Friday (February 20, 2026) over the Indian Youth Congress’ dramatic ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in the national capital, the organisation said that dissent is a democratic right and that the ‘peaceful’ demonstration was aimed at safeguarding national interests. In a statement, IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib said, “Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth.” He clarified that the organisation was not against the AI Summit but against “any compromise with India’s interests.” Mr. Chib further alleged that farmers were being “compromised”, “anti-India trade agreements” were being signed, and the youth were being pushed into “hate politics while being kept unemployed.” He further alleged that if they protest on the streets, they are stopped. Social media posts critical of the government are removed under the guise of the IT rules. • February 20, 2026 17:30 Dell unveils 'AI India Blueprint' to scale sovereign, trusted AI nationwideDell Technologies unveiled its ‘AI India Blueprint’ at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, outlining a national execution framework to scale artificial intelligence as a core pillar of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) and support the nation’s long-term development goals under Viksit Bharat 2047.The blueprint, titled Advancing India’s AI Future: A Blueprint for Trusted, Secure and Nationwide Success, proposes a structured approach to move India’s AI ecosystem from pilot projects to population-scale deployment, positioning AI as a shared national capability rather than isolated technology initiatives.Dell said the framework aligns with key policy priorities, including the IndiaAI Mission, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and India’s Safe and Trusted AI principles. It sets out recommendations across sovereign AI infrastructure, energy-resilient data centres, federated data systems, workforce development and governance.-PTI Dell Technologies unveiled its ‘AI India Blueprint’ at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, outlining a national execution framework to scale artificial intelligence as a core pillar of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) and support the nation’s long-term development goals under Viksit Bharat 2047. The blueprint, titled Advancing India’s AI Future: A Blueprint for Trusted, Secure and Nationwide Success, proposes a structured approach to move India’s AI ecosystem from pilot projects to population-scale deployment, positioning AI as a shared national capability rather than isolated technology initiatives. Dell said the framework aligns with key policy priorities, including the IndiaAI Mission, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and India’s Safe and Trusted AI principles. It sets out recommendations across sovereign AI infrastructure, energy-resilient data centres, federated data systems, workforce development and governance. • February 20, 2026 17:09 Delhi discom showcases its 'digital twin of power distribution network' at AI SummitPower discom BSES has showcased its innovation ‘Digital Twin of a Power Network’ that serves as a ‘Google map’ of the electricity distribution network, enabling real-time monitoring and automatic fault restoration.The AI-based innovation has been introduced in parts of Janakpuri falling under BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) distribution area, said a BSES official.Much like “Google maps for electricity”, the Digital Twin allows engineers to monitor outages, forecast potential equipment failures and simulate contingencies through an interactive dashboard.Its AI-driven analytics support automated fault restoration, significantly reducing outage durations and enhancing overall system reliability, he said.-PTI Power discom BSES has showcased its innovation ‘Digital Twin of a Power Network’ that serves as a ‘Google map’ of the electricity distribution network, enabling real-time monitoring and automatic fault restoration. The AI-based innovation has been introduced in parts of Janakpuri falling under BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) distribution area, said a BSES official. Much like “Google maps for electricity”, the Digital Twin allows engineers to monitor outages, forecast potential equipment failures and simulate contingencies through an interactive dashboard. Its AI-driven analytics support automated fault restoration, significantly reducing outage durations and enhancing overall system reliability, he said. • February 20, 2026 16:57 'Shamful act': Delhi minister Sirsa slams Rahul Gandhi over Youth Congress protestDelhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday (February 20, 2026) condemned a protest by the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.Mr. Sirsa alleged that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi orchestrated the demonstration and led the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers to behave in a “shameful” manner in front of foreign guests.Reacting to the incident, Mr. Sirsa said, “Today, Rahul Gandhi made the IYC workers protest at the summit” and claimed that they removed their clothes and dance in front of international attendees.“This is a very shameful act,” the Minister said.-PTI Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday (February 20, 2026) condemned a protest by the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Mr. Sirsa alleged that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi orchestrated the demonstration and led the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers to behave in a “shameful” manner in front of foreign guests. Reacting to the incident, Mr. Sirsa said, “Today, Rahul Gandhi made the IYC workers protest at the summit” and claimed that they removed their clothes and dance in front of international attendees. “This is a very shameful act,” the Minister said. • February 20, 2026 16:52 Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Google CEO Sundar Pichai • February 20, 2026 16:40 India must build its own AI tech to avert risk of becoming 'digital colony': Sarvam AI co-founderIndia must build its own foundational AI technologies to avoid becoming a “digital colony” dependent on foreign systems, Vivek Raghavan, co-founder of Sarvam AI, said on Friday (February 20, 2026).He believes that AI is a core technology that will shape every aspect of life, therefore, India has a mandate, not an option, to develop it from scratch.“AI is a technology that has an impact on every single aspect of human life. It is a core technology that a country like India must understand from the foundational level; otherwise, we will become a digital colony dependent on other countries for this core, core technology. That is not an option. It is something that we must do,” Mr. Raghavan said, while speaking at India AI Impact Summit 2026.He stressed that in the long run, AI sovereignty matters more than temporary technical advantages, such as having the largest model or fastest chip.-PTI India must build its own foundational AI technologies to avoid becoming a “digital colony” dependent on foreign systems, Vivek Raghavan, co-founder of Sarvam AI, said on Friday (February 20, 2026). He believes that AI is a core technology that will shape every aspect of life, therefore, India has a mandate, not an option, to develop it from scratch. “AI is a technology that has an impact on every single aspect of human life. It is a core technology that a country like India must understand from the foundational level; otherwise, we will become a digital colony dependent on other countries for this core, core technology. That is not an option. It is something that we must do,” Mr. Raghavan said, while speaking at India AI Impact Summit 2026. He stressed that in the long run, AI sovereignty matters more than temporary technical advantages, such as having the largest model or fastest chip. • February 20, 2026 16:29 Critical thinking, not reliance on AI, will protect against de-skilling: Elsevier’s Jan HerzhoffThe concerns of de-skilling due to the use of artificial intelligence can be addressed when critical thinking is combined with expanding knowledge base, instead of solely relying on AI’s response, says Jan Herzhoff, president of global health businesses at the Dutch academic publisher Elsevier.Mr. Herzhoff, who was attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16-20, reflected on a 2025 study in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal and said that de-skilling happens when clinicians don’t apply critical thinking and rely on “that little answer chunk” before moving to the next patient.The study found that the rate at which experienced health professionals could detect benign tumours in colonoscopies without using AI fell by 20 per cent three months after starting to rely on AI for assistance.“Clinicians are extremely busy, they don’t have time. When they have a question, they send it to an AI, and get an answer. In the best case, (they) might just check the reference, then they go back to the next patient,” Mr. Herzhoff told PTI.-PTI The concerns of de-skilling due to the use of artificial intelligence can be addressed when critical thinking is combined with expanding knowledge base, instead of solely relying on AI’s response, says Jan Herzhoff, president of global health businesses at the Dutch academic publisher Elsevier. Mr. Herzhoff, who was attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16-20, reflected on a 2025 study in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal and said that de-skilling happens when clinicians don’t apply critical thinking and rely on “that little answer chunk” before moving to the next patient. The study found that the rate at which experienced health professionals could detect benign tumours in colonoscopies without using AI fell by 20 per cent three months after starting to rely on AI for assistance. “Clinicians are extremely busy, they don’t have time. When they have a question, they send it to an AI, and get an answer. In the best case, (they) might just check the reference, then they go back to the next patient,” Mr. Herzhoff told PTI. • February 20, 2026 16:25 Some glitches can happen at any large event: Shashi Tharoor praises AI SummitCongress leader Shashi Tharoor has praised the AI Impact Summit, saying the first couple of days had gone “extremely well” and “some glitches” can happen at any “large event”.He said what has been impressive is the attendance of presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders who have come with a strong message of wanting to see a newly integrated world in artificial intelligence development.PTI Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has praised the AI Impact Summit, saying the first couple of days had gone “extremely well” and “some glitches” can happen at any “large event”. He said what has been impressive is the attendance of presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders who have come with a strong message of wanting to see a newly integrated world in artificial intelligence development. • February 20, 2026 16:23 PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UN chief Antonio GuterresUnited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres held bilateral talks with Prime Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit.Earlier in the day, Mr. Guterres called for utilising Artificial Intelligence for global good and mitigate challenges being faced by humanity. He urged countries to come together and prepare, protect, and invest in people.ANI United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres held bilateral talks with Prime Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit. Earlier in the day, Mr. Guterres called for utilising Artificial Intelligence for global good and mitigate challenges being faced by humanity. He urged countries to come together and prepare, protect, and invest in people. • February 20, 2026 16:21 U.S. 'totally' rejects global AI governance: White House adviser White House technology adviser Michael Kratsios said that the United States “totally” rejects global governance of artificial intelligence.“We totally reject global governance of AI. We believe AI adoption cannot lead to a brighter future if it is subject to bureaucracies and centralised control,” the head of the U.S. delegation to the AI summit said, ahead of a leaders’ statement expected to declare a shared stance on how to handle the technology.AFP White House technology adviser Michael Kratsios said that the United States “totally” rejects global governance of artificial intelligence. “We totally reject global governance of AI. We believe AI adoption cannot lead to a brighter future if it is subject to bureaucracies and centralised control,” the head of the U.S. delegation to the AI summit said, ahead of a leaders’ statement expected to declare a shared stance on how to handle the technology. • February 20, 2026 16:00 Andhra Pradesh Government signs seven MoUs for infra creationIndia AI Summit 2026: Andhra Pradesh Government signs seven MoUsAndhra Pradesh government signs seven MoUs at India AI Summit to establish a Quantum-AI Hub and enhance skills and infrastructure. ### India AI Summit 2026: Andhra Pradesh Government signs seven MoUs Andhra Pradesh government signs seven MoUs at India AI Summit to establish a Quantum-AI Hub and enhance skills and infrastructure. • February 20, 2026 15:53 Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu on protest at India AI Summit expoReacting to the protest by members of the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Summit expo hall today, Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu says: “Youth Congress members went to the summit and raised slogans against what they see as compromises by the Prime Minister. There is anger not only among Youth Congress workers but also among young people across the country who have been struggling with unemployment for the past 12 years.”He also highlighted concerns about the India-U.S. interim trade deal. “I do not know what compelled Prime Minister Modi to agree to it, but we believe this deal harms the interests of the country’s farmers. We also view it as a compromise on national security, especially if citizens’ data, including that of our armed forces personnel and other citizens, is being shared with foreign companies. If we are protesting these issues, we are doing so in the interest of the people of this country,” he added. Reacting to the protest by members of the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Summit expo hall today, Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu says: “Youth Congress members went to the summit and raised slogans against what they see as compromises by the Prime Minister. There is anger not only among Youth Congress workers but also among young people across the country who have been struggling with unemployment for the past 12 years.” He also highlighted concerns about the India-U.S. interim trade deal. “I do not know what compelled Prime Minister Modi to agree to it, but we believe this deal harms the interests of the country’s farmers. We also view it as a compromise on national security, especially if citizens’ data, including that of our armed forces personnel and other citizens, is being shared with foreign companies. If we are protesting these issues, we are doing so in the interest of the people of this country,” he added. • February 20, 2026 15:34 AI can lift global growth by 0.8%; India's Viksit Bharat goal achievable: IMF MDIMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said artificial intelligence can lift global growth by 0.8%, and India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat or a developed nation is achievable.Speaking at a panel discussion at the AI Impact Summit, Ms. Georgieva said a research by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that AI has the potential to significantly accelerate global growth.“We did some research and here is the answer. Based on what we know, AI can lift up global growth by almost a percentage point. We say 0.8%... It would mean that the world would grow faster than it did before the COVID pandemic,” she said.PTI IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said artificial intelligence can lift global growth by 0.8%, and India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat or a developed nation is achievable. Speaking at a panel discussion at the AI Impact Summit, Ms. Georgieva said a research by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that AI has the potential to significantly accelerate global growth. “We did some research and here is the answer. Based on what we know, AI can lift up global growth by almost a percentage point. We say 0.8%... It would mean that the world would grow faster than it did before the COVID pandemic,” she said. • February 20, 2026 15:12 Humiliating India to target Govt. is your idea of opposition: Piyush Goyal to Rahul GandhiOver the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at the AI Summit, Union Minister Piyush Goyal hit out at Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi and said: “While you want to CHOKE India’s development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally.”In a post on X he said Mr. Gandhi’s idea of opposition is to humiliate the country to target the government. Over the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at the AI Summit, Union Minister Piyush Goyal hit out at Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi and said: “While you want to CHOKE India’s development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally.” In a post on X he said Mr. Gandhi’s idea of opposition is to humiliate the country to target the government. • February 20, 2026 15:05 Protesting at a summit not good option, says RJD MP Manoj Jha “I believe there is anger in the country and the anger is on many fronts... but I think protesting at a summit like this, it was not a good option...” RJD MP Manoj Jha said, reacting to the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at the expo hall of the ongoing India AI Summit today. “I believe there is anger in the country and the anger is on many fronts... but I think protesting at a summit like this, it was not a good option...” RJD MP Manoj Jha said, reacting to the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at the expo hall of the ongoing India AI Summit today. • February 20, 2026 14:51 Security heightened inside Bharat Mandapam after protest • February 20, 2026 14:41 10 detained for staging protest at AI Impact Summit expo hall10 detained for staging protest at AI Impact Summit expo hallTen protesters were detained for disrupting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Modi. ### 10 detained for staging protest at AI Impact Summit expo hall Ten protesters were detained for disrupting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Modi. • February 20, 2026 14:33 Protest against India's achievements: BJP spokespersonCalling the Congress party “anti-national”, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the Youth Congress’ protest at Bharat Mandapam was a protest against India’s achievements. Calling the Congress party “anti-national”, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the Youth Congress’ protest at Bharat Mandapam was a protest against India’s achievements. • February 20, 2026 14:14 Youth Congress stages 'shirtless' protest at Bharat MandapamCadres of the Indian Youth Congress on Friday (February 20, 2026) staged a ‘shirtless’ protest at Bharat Mandapam against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticising the AI Impact Summit and accusing the PM of being “compromised”.During the protest, party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent. In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a “compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit.” Cadres of the Indian Youth Congress on Friday (February 20, 2026) staged a ‘shirtless’ protest at Bharat Mandapam against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticising the AI Impact Summit and accusing the PM of being “compromised”. During the protest, party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent. In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a “compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit.” • February 20, 2026 13:40 AI will be central to 6G: Qualcomm CEO Cristiano AmonCristiano Amon, CEO and President of Qualcomm said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to fundamentally change how we think about the mobile device. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he said, “We look at our smartphone as an inseparable device. In the future, revolution is going to increase robotics in the industrial area that will lead to a change in the way we see our mobile device today.”ANI Cristiano Amon, CEO and President of Qualcomm said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to fundamentally change how we think about the mobile device. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he said, “We look at our smartphone as an inseparable device. In the future, revolution is going to increase robotics in the industrial area that will lead to a change in the way we see our mobile device today.” • February 20, 2026 13:20 Watch | Qualcomm CEO outlines AI vision • February 20, 2026 13:06 India is leading this revolution in AI, and it will have huge results: Devendra Fadnavis • February 20, 2026 12:29 Need to assess efficacy, safety of any new AI product in healthcare: Soumya SwaminathanSoumya Swaminathan, former Deputy Director General at the WHO, speaking to reporters at the India AI Summit highlighted the positive impact of AI in healthcare, adding that similar to a clinical trial of a new vaccine, there needs to be testing for the efficacy and safety of any new AI product before it is scaled. Soumya Swaminathan, former Deputy Director General at the WHO, speaking to reporters at the India AI Summit highlighted the positive impact of AI in healthcare, adding that similar to a clinical trial of a new vaccine, there needs to be testing for the efficacy and safety of any new AI product before it is scaled. • February 20, 2026 12:21 Group of CEO, delegates meet Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan A group of CEOs and delegates participating in the India AI Summit 2026 met Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan at his office in New Delhi. They highlighted AI’s transformative potential in sectors such as healthcare, education, and employment, noting that India is strongly positioned for large-scale AI innovation and deployment. A group of CEOs and delegates participating in the India AI Summit 2026 met Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan at his office in New Delhi. They highlighted AI’s transformative potential in sectors such as healthcare, education, and employment, noting that India is strongly positioned for large-scale AI innovation and deployment. • February 20, 2026 12:08 Institutions should use AI if it is tested, trustworthy: official from MoSPI's Data Informatics & Innovation Division“I just want to flag that we should not be just gung-ho about things which is still untested,” said Rohit Bhardwaj, Deputy Director General of the Data Informatics & Innovation Division under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).The governement official was speaking at the AI Impact Summit during a session on ‘AI-Ready Data: Shared Infrastructure for Innovation’. He also suggested that government departments should make the relevant data AI-ready by creating files that are readable by a computer.PTI “I just want to flag that we should not be just gung-ho about things which is still untested,” said Rohit Bhardwaj, Deputy Director General of the Data Informatics & Innovation Division under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The governement official was speaking at the AI Impact Summit during a session on ‘AI-Ready Data: Shared Infrastructure for Innovation’. He also suggested that government departments should make the relevant data AI-ready by creating files that are readable by a computer. • February 20, 2026 11:55 UN chief António Guterres meets 'AI Kid of India' Raul John Aju • February 20, 2026 11:33 Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu arrives at the venue to attend AI Summit • February 20, 2026 11:22 Pax Silica important for India's semiconductor industry: Ashwini VaishnawUnion Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India signing the Pax Silica Declaration is very important for getting the semiconductor ecosystem well established in the country. Giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “creating trust” in India, Mr. Vaishnaw said: “The entire world trusts India because we, we respect IP. We have a large talent pool and we have conducted our foreign policy in a way which creates that trust.”PTI Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India signing the Pax Silica Declaration is very important for getting the semiconductor ecosystem well established in the country. Giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “creating trust” in India, Mr. Vaishnaw said: “The entire world trusts India because we, we respect IP. We have a large talent pool and we have conducted our foreign policy in a way which creates that trust.” • February 20, 2026 11:11 PM Modi interacts with CEOs of AI and deeptech startups • February 20, 2026 11:05 'Pax Silica is a declaration that future belongs to those who build'India signs agreement to join U.S.-led coalition Pax SilicaIndia joins the U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition to enhance supply chain resilience and strengthen bilateral ties amid ongoing trade negotiations. ### India signs agreement to join U.S.-led coalition Pax Silica India joins the U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition to enhance supply chain resilience and strengthen bilateral ties amid ongoing trade negotiations. • February 20, 2026 10:57 Pax Silica is a coalition of capabilities: U.S. Ambassador Sergio GorIndia formally signs the agreement to join the Pax Silica, the U.S.-led coalition on artificial intelligence and supply chain security. At the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the summit, U.S. Ambassador hailed the India-U.S. partnership as a “coalition of capabilities”, emphasising that peace comes through strength. India formally signs the agreement to join the Pax Silica, the U.S.-led coalition on artificial intelligence and supply chain security. At the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the summit, U.S. Ambassador hailed the India-U.S. partnership as a “coalition of capabilities”, emphasising that peace comes through strength. • February 20, 2026 10:48 India signs agreement to join U.S.-led Pax Silica Declaration • February 20, 2026 10:36 U.S.-India partnership critical to make AI benefit available to everyone: Sundar PichaiGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai, speaking at the India AI Summit on Friday (February 20, 2026), said the U.S.-India partnership has a critical role to play to “make benefit of AI available to everyone”. His keynote address comes as India is set to formally join Pax Silica, the US-led effort on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, on the sidelines of Summit. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, speaking at the India AI Summit on Friday (February 20, 2026), said the U.S.-India partnership has a critical role to play to “make benefit of AI available to everyone”. His keynote address comes as India is set to formally join Pax Silica, the US-led effort on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, on the sidelines of Summit. • February 20, 2026 10:36 Maharashtra CM Fadnavis on 'ensuring data empowers farmers, not exploits them'Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his keynote address as part of a session on ‘AI for Agriculture’, said the government is building a Statewide interoperable agriculture data exchange based on open standards, “ensuring that data empowers farmers, not exploits them”. He highlighted the India AI Mission’s global call for AI use cases in agriculture, in partnership with Maharashtra government and the World Bank earlier this month. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his keynote address as part of a session on ‘AI for Agriculture’, said the government is building a Statewide interoperable agriculture data exchange based on open standards, “ensuring that data empowers farmers, not exploits them”. He highlighted the India AI Mission’s global call for AI use cases in agriculture, in partnership with Maharashtra government and the World Bank earlier this month. • February 20, 2026 09:50 U.S. tech giants announce India deals at AI summit Google said it would build new subsea cables from India and chip titan Nvidia unveiled tie-ups with computing firms on Wednesday (February 18, 2025) as tech giants rushed to announce deals and investments at a global AI conference in New Delhi. This week’s AI Impact Summit is the fourth annual gathering to discuss how to govern the fast-evolving technology, and also an opportunity for India to raise its profile in the booming sector. “India’s going to have an extraordinary trajectory with AI and we want to be a partner,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai told reporters as the US firm unveiled a plan to boost connectivity to the South Asian country.- AFP Google said it would build new subsea cables from India and chip titan Nvidia unveiled tie-ups with computing firms on Wednesday (February 18, 2025) as tech giants rushed to announce deals and investments at a global AI conference in New Delhi. This week’s AI Impact Summit is the fourth annual gathering to discuss how to govern the fast-evolving technology, and also an opportunity for India to raise its profile in the booming sector. “India’s going to have an extraordinary trajectory with AI and we want to be a partner,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai told reporters as the US firm unveiled a plan to boost connectivity to the South Asian country. • February 20, 2026 09:48 Devendra Fadnavis highlights India’s AI-first vision at India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi • February 20, 2026 09:30 AI Impact Summit’s expo has been extended till February 21The AI Impact Summit’s expo has been extended by one day, to Saturday (February 21, 2026), so that attendees can visit with more flexible security arrangements after all the multilateral events at the venue wind up, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said in a press conference on Wednesday (February 18, 2026). Students and professionals, who have not been able to attend on weekdays, would be able to come easily, Mr. Krishnan said. The AI Impact Summit’s expo has been extended by one day, to Saturday (February 21, 2026), so that attendees can visit with more flexible security arrangements after all the multilateral events at the venue wind up, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said in a press conference on Wednesday (February 18, 2026). Students and professionals, who have not been able to attend on weekdays, would be able to come easily, Mr. Krishnan said. Published - February 20, 2026 09:07 am IST ### Related Topics Live news / Artificial Intelligence / technology (general) / emerging technologies