New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- India closed 2025 with a surge of activity in artificial intelligence. A dozen government-backed startups began building foundational artificial intelligence models, with one of them raising more than $100 million in funding.

At the same time, data centres saw a massive boom as Big Tech doubled down on India.

Together, these developments raised the expectation for what 2026 holds for AI in India-across innovation, investments, jobs and education. Mint examines what lies ahead for AI in India in the coming year.

In a way, yes. India will host the next global AI summit, scheduled for 15 February in New Delhi. The IT ministry confirmed on Monday that one of the intended goals would be to have at least one government-...