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AI Summit Attracts $250 Billion in Investment Pledges, Sees 5 Lakh Visitors: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Deepika Rana / Updated: Feb 21, 2026, 17:07 IST
AI Summit Attracts $250 Billion in Investment Pledges, Sees 5 Lakh Visitors: Ashwini Vaishnaw

India’s flagship Artificial Intelligence Summit has secured investment commitments worth nearly $250 billion, Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced, marking one of the largest technology-focused pledges in the country’s history. The multi-day event, which concluded recently, attracted more than five lakh visitors, underscoring the growing global interest in India’s AI ecosystem.

According to the minister, the commitments span AI infrastructure development, semiconductor fabrication, high-performance computing facilities, cloud expansion, and next-generation research initiatives.

Global Tech Leaders and Policymakers in Attendance

The summit saw participation from top global technology executives, AI researchers, venture capitalists, startup founders, and government representatives. Panel discussions and keynote sessions revolved around responsible AI deployment, data governance frameworks, and cross-border collaborations.

International companies reportedly expressed interest in setting up AI research labs, manufacturing units, and data centers in India, while domestic firms unveiled expansion plans in advanced computing and chip design.

Focus on Infrastructure and Semiconductor Ecosystem

A significant portion of the pledged investments is expected to flow into semiconductor manufacturing and AI-ready data center infrastructure. Officials indicated that strengthening domestic chip production is critical for India’s long-term AI competitiveness.

The government has been pushing for self-reliance in semiconductor supply chains while simultaneously encouraging foreign direct investment and strategic technology partnerships.

Startups and Innovation at the Forefront

Startups played a prominent role at the summit, showcasing AI solutions across healthcare, agriculture, fintech, education, and manufacturing. Several venture capital funds and institutional investors announced fresh funding lines for early-stage AI ventures.

Industry observers noted that India’s vast talent pool and cost-effective innovation ecosystem make it an attractive destination for AI development and deployment.

Workforce Development and Responsible AI

Another key theme was workforce readiness. Vaishnaw emphasized skilling initiatives aimed at preparing millions of professionals for AI-driven industries. Government-backed training programs and public-private partnerships are expected to accelerate AI literacy across sectors.

Responsible AI practices, including ethical frameworks and data protection safeguards, were also highlighted as essential pillars of India’s digital strategy.

A Defining Moment for India’s Digital Economy

Experts believe the scale of participation and investment commitments signals India’s emergence as a serious contender in the global AI race. With strong policy backing, infrastructure expansion, and private-sector enthusiasm, the summit may serve as a turning point in positioning the country as a global AI innovation hub.

As implementation begins, the focus will shift to translating these pledges into operational projects that can drive economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in the coming years.