Modi Meets Google CEO Pichai at India AI Impact Summit 2026

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday, February 18th, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, signalling a deepening collaboration between India and the tech giant in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The meeting, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, precedes Pichai’s keynote address at the summit scheduled for February 20th.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi and Pichai discussed India’s advancements in AI and potential avenues for Google to partner with Indian students and professionals. “It was a delight to meet Mr. Sundar Pichai on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Talked about the work India is doing in AI and how Google can work with our talented students and professionals in this field,” Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Pichai’s visit to India and the discussions with Modi underscore the growing importance of India as a key player in the global AI landscape. He expressed his enthusiasm for returning to India, stating on X, “Nice to be back in India for the AI Impact Summit – a very warm welcome as always and the papers looked great too.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend of increased engagement from major technology companies in the Indian market, driven by its large talent pool, growing digital economy and supportive government policies.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which commenced on February 16th and concludes on February 20th, is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit has attracted policymakers, industry leaders, academics, innovators, and representatives from civil society from over 100 countries. It serves as a platform for international collaboration on the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

This year’s summit is particularly significant as it is the first major global AI event hosted in the Global South. The choice of India as the host nation reflects its ambition to position itself as a leader in AI innovation and its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all. The summit’s theme, “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” – meaning welfare and happiness for all – and the broader principle of “AI for Humanity,” highlight India’s vision for inclusive and equitable AI development.

The scale of the summit is substantial, with over a thousand participants from around the world and more than 100 events taking place. An expansive exhibition hall complex features upwards of 400 booths representing industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and major global technology companies. The event also includes the India AI Impact Expo, where Prime Minister Modi interacted with representatives from various companies and startups.

The participation of over 110 countries and 30 international organizations, including approximately 20 Heads of State or Government and 45 ministers, demonstrates the widespread recognition of the importance of international cooperation in the field of AI. This level of engagement underscores the growing momentum for a coordinated global approach to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.

The meeting between Modi and Pichai is expected to pave the way for increased investment from Google in India’s AI ecosystem. Potential areas of collaboration include AI-powered solutions for healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion. India’s large and diverse population presents a unique opportunity for Google to test and refine its AI technologies in a real-world setting.

the discussions likely touched upon the development of AI talent in India. Google has previously announced initiatives to train Indian developers and researchers in AI skills, and further expansion of these programs is anticipated. Addressing the skills gap is crucial for India to fully capitalize on the potential of AI and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 comes at a critical juncture, as artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and societies worldwide. The summit provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to share best practices, address ethical concerns, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of AI. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications not only for India but also for the global AI landscape.