Unlike talk-only events, the summit ends with a leaders’ pledge and cooperation plans, paving real progress
India will host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on 19-20 February. This groundbreaking event puts the Global South – developing nations like those in Africa – at the centre of worldwide AI discussions for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it at the France AI Action Summit, aiming to shift power from rich countries that have long led AI rules.
The summit’s motto, from an ancient Sanskrit saying, means “welfare and happiness for all”. It sees AI as a tool for everyone, not just the wealthy. For Nigeria and other African countries, it’s a chance to shape global AI standards and build useful partnerships that match local needs, like boosting the economy and public services.
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India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, says the summit tackles real issues: job losses from AI, protecting national data, and closing the gap between tech-rich and tech-poor nations
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India’s plan focuses on sharing AI widely, which fits Nigeria’s push for affordable tech to drive growth
The event rests on three guiding ideas, called the “Three Sutras”. The People Sutra makes AI respect cultures, dignity, and inclusion. The Planet Sutra pushes green AI, vital for Africa facing climate threats. The Progress Sutra uses AI for jobs, social good, and innovation.
These link to seven areas of teamwork, or “Chakras”: building skills, inclusion, safe AI, resilience, science, open resources, and green growth. India wants shared AI setups, like its successful digital ID (Aadhaar) and payments system (UPI), open to partners. For Nigeria, this cuts costs on foreign tech, sparking local startups in farming, health, education, energy, and disaster warnings – matching goals like smart farming and better clinics.
