The India-AI Impact Summit 2026, which opens in New Delhi next week, is set to place Global South countries at the forefront of discussions on artificial intelligence.An outcome document is also expected to lay down broad ground rules for a world navigating the rapidly expanding use of AI and its impact on humanity.Of the 20 global leaders expected to attend the summit, nine will be from Global South nations. Among the 45 minister-level delegations, 30 will represent the Global South — a diverse group of developing and less developed countries that share a history of colonisation and economic marginalisation.A senior official in the Ministry of External Affairs said the summit aimed to bring developmental concerns and the perspectives of developing countries to the centre of the global AI discourse.India’s focus, the official said, would be on democratising AI resources, enabling economic and social growth and ensuring secure, trusted and inclusive access to AI for social empowerment.“Secure and trusted AI is relevant not only for us but for everybody,” the official added. India is expected to highlight its technological capabilities while advocating inclusion and innovation for Global South countries. The emphasis on affordability, openness and trust, officials said, offers a model shaped by the priorities of developing nations.Many developing countries have limited access to computing power, restricting AI development. New Delhi aims to address this gap and leverage its long-standing work in digital infrastructure.India’s AI push builds on its established digital philosophy. UPI has made digital payments open and inclusive, Aadhaar enabled digital identity at population scale and indigenous 4G and 5G stacks strengthened technological self-reliance. AI is now expected to follow a similar path, supported by India’s expanding 5G connectivity.Across sectors, AI applications are already making a difference.In agriculture, AI supports farmers by predicting weather, identifying pest risks, and guiding irrigation and sowing decisions. Systems such as the National Pest Surveillance System and Crop Health Monitoring use satellite and weather data to protect crops and improve income security.In healthcare, AI enables early disease detection, assists in analysing medical images and strengthens telemedicine services, connecting rural patients with specialists and improving access to care.AI is also strengthening disaster preparedness. The India Meteorological Department uses AI to forecast rainfall, fog and extreme weather events.