New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Friday that over 70 countries have already signed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 declaration. He further stated that the number is expected to surpass 80 by the end of the summit, marking a significant milestone for global cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Growing Global Support for India’s AI Leadership
At the summit, Vaishnaw shared that the previous AI Impact Summit saw about 60 signatories in the final declaration, but this year, the number has already crossed 70. With discussions ongoing with several foreign ministers, the minister expressed confidence that 80 countries would sign the declaration by the conclusion of the summit.
“We have already crossed 70. We believe it will cross 80. All the major countries have already signed,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the final draft and complete list of signatories would be released on Saturday, marking the close of the summit.
Read also: India Sets Guinness World Record with 2.5 Lakh AI Responsibility Pledges in 24 Hours
Key Pledges and Investment Commitments
The summit has not only seen strong international support but also significant investment pledges. Vaishnaw highlighted that infrastructure-related investments have crossed $250 billion, while commitments for venture capital and deep tech investments have surpassed $20 billion.
“This is a very important sign for us. The numbers are important, but what is important is that the world has confidence in India’s role,” the minister said.
India’s Growing Influence in Global AI Governance
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has emerged as a major event, with over five lakh visitors attending the exhibition. It marked a historic moment as key AI industry leaders from across the world came together to establish AI guardrails — guidelines for responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Vaishnaw also revealed plans for AI Mission 2.0, which will be larger and more ambitious than the initial AI Mission 1.0. According to the minister, many of the goals set in Mission 1.0 have already been achieved, with the country surpassing its target of 10,000 GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), now exceeding 38,000 GPUs. An additional 20,000 GPUs are set to be launched soon.
AI Mission 2.0 and India’s Future in AI
As the country prepares for the next phase, AI Mission 2.0 aims to expand India’s leadership in AI research, development, and implementation. With the AI sector’s growth accelerating, India is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation and policy-making on the global stage.
Vaishnaw’s remarks emphasize India’s growing role in shaping the future of AI, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a responsible, inclusive, and forward-thinking AI ecosystem.
About the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is one of the largest global gatherings focused on artificial intelligence and its applications in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and more. The summit serves as a platform for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to come together and discuss the future of AI, its governance, and its role in driving sustainable growth.
