OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to visit India in mid-February 2026, marking his first trip to the country in nearly a year, according to sources reported by TechCrunch.
This visit coincides with the highly anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where global AI leaders from companies like Anthropic and DeepSeek are also expected to converge.
India's Rising Role in the Global AI Ecosystem
India has emerged as one of OpenAI’s largest markets, with Altman previously noting it as the second-largest user base for the company, potentially on track to become the biggest.
Historically, Altman’s engagements in India, including his 2023 visit where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have underscored the country’s growing tech ecosystem and its ambition to lead in AI innovation.
Significance of the India AI Impact Summit
While Altman is not confirmed as a speaker at the summit, sources suggest he will likely hold private meetings with key stakeholders to discuss partnerships and enterprise deals.
The summit itself represents a critical platform for shaping AI policies and fostering international collaboration, especially as India aims to attract up to $100 billion in AI and infrastructure investments over the next few years.
Impact on India’s Tech Landscape
This convergence of global AI leaders in New Delhi signals India’s strategic push to position itself as a hub for AI innovation, building on initiatives like skill upgrading and research hubs in cities such as Hyderabad.
Past interactions, including Altman’s controversial 2023 statement about the challenges for Indian companies to compete with OpenAI, have sparked debates, yet his subsequent acknowledgment of India’s potential reflects a shift in perspective.
Looking Ahead: Future of AI in India
Looking to the future, OpenAI’s recent opening of its first India office in 2025 and Altman’s visit could pave the way for deeper collaborations, potentially influencing the development of models like GPT-5 with feedback from Indian users.
The broader implications of such engagements could redefine how AI technologies address India-specific challenges, from education to healthcare, while navigating ethical and regulatory concerns.
As India continues to balance its reverence for global tech giants with the drive to build indigenous AI leaders, Altman’s visit may serve as a catalyst for both competition and cooperation in this transformative field.
Andrew Lee
