India to Host Global AI Research Symposium in 2026 — Full Details & Call for Global South Participation
India to Host Global AI Research Symposium in 2026
India to host a global AI research symposium in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, featuring poster submissions, Global South showcase, and policy discussions.
The “Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact” will be held on February 18, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, serving as the opening event for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled for February 19–20, 2026.
This marks the first time a Global South nation will host such a high-profile international AI gathering — signaling India’s commitment to positioning itself as a champion of inclusive, ethical, and globally cooperative AI development.
Key Event Highlights (Point-by-Point)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact |
| Date | 18 February 2026 |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi |
| Host | Government of India (MeitY, IndiaAI Mission) |
| Linked Event | India-AI Impact Summit (19–20 Feb 2026) |
Objectives of the Symposium
- Bridge research, policy, and real-world AI applications
- Highlight contributions from India and the Global South
- Facilitate collaboration between academia, startups, and government
- Showcase AI for Social Good, Climate Action, Governance, and Public Infrastructure
“The Research Symposium will serve as a bridge between research, policy, and practice,”
Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY & CEO, India AI
Global South Takes Center Stage
A major feature of the symposium is the Global South Research Showcase, designed to spotlight innovations from developing nations.
Poster Submission Details
Eligibility | Researchers whose papers were accepted at top AI conferences in 2024 or 2025
Submission Deadline 31 October 2025
Final Poster Deadline 5 January 2026
Focus AI Ethics, Governance, Healthcare, Education, Climate, Security, Foundation Models
Key Tracks & Showcase Formats
| Segment | Description |
|---|---|
| Plenary Sessions | Talks by leading Indian and international AI scientists |
| International Research Showcase | Presentations from top global AI labs |
| Global South Showcase | Posters & demos from emerging regions |
| Policy Roundtables | Dialog between researchers and government officials |
AI Vision: People, Planet, Progress & Seven Chakras
The broader India-AI Impact Summit that follows will be built around:
- Core Principles: People, Planet, Progress
- Seven “AI Chakras” representing focus themes such as AI Safety, Governance, Data Governance, Sustainability, Skilling, Public Services, and Global Cooperation
India’s Growing AI Infrastructure Push
- Five new AI safety projects selected under IndiaAI Mission
- Focus on deepfake detection, bias reduction, and AI security testing
- India currently operates 38,000 GPUs, set to expand to 50,000 by end of 2025
“India’s inclusive research ecosystem is ready to take a leading role,” said Prof. P.J. Narayanan (IIIT Hyderabad).
Why This Event Matters — National & Global Impact
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| For Researchers | Global visibility & collaboration opportunities |
| For Startups | Access to policymakers & ecosystem partners |
| For Policymakers | Real-time input from technologists |
| For Global South | Voice in AI development that reflects regional challenges |
What You Should Do Now
If you’re a researcher, prepare your abstract for poster submission.
If you’re a start-up or innovator, get your demo/prototype ready.
If you’re a policy analyst or student, plan your visit & register early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact?
It is a global event hosted by the Government of India to bring together AI researchers, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the societal and economic impact of artificial intelligence. It will serve as the opening event for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
2. When and where will the AI Symposium take place?
The symposium will be held on February 18, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
3. Who can attend the AI symposium?
- AI researchers, students, and academicians
- Startup founders, engineers, and data scientists
- Government officials, policy experts, and industry leaders
4. How can researchers from the Global South participate?
Researchers from Global South countries who have had papers accepted at leading AI conferences in 2024 or 2025 can submit poster proposals for the Global South Showcase.
- Poster Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
- Final Poster Submission: January 5, 2026
5. Is there any registration fee to attend?
Official registration details are yet to be announced. It is expected that students and selected researchers may get free or subsidized access, while professionals may have a nominal fee.
6. Will travel or funding support be provided?
Selected poster presenters or Global South delegates may receive travel or accommodation assistance, depending on final guidelines from India AI.
7. What topics will be covered during the symposium?
Key themes include:
- Responsible & Ethical AI
- AI for Healthcare, Education, Climate, and Governance
- AI Safety, Security, and Bias Mitigation
- Generative AI and Foundation Models
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI for Social Good
8. What is the India-AI Impact Summit?
It is a larger two-day summit taking place on February 19–20, 2026, featuring high-level government leaders, global CEOs, and research institutions. The symposium acts as its pre-event research forum.
9. Where can I get updates or submit my poster?
All official updates will be published on the India AI website (MeitY) and its social media handles. A submission portal is expected to open soon.
10. Why is this event important?
It marks the first time a Global South nation is hosting such a major AI gathering, giving developing regions a strong voice in shaping global AI policy, ethics, and innovation strategy.
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