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India PM | February 16, 2026: Your Essential Daily Briefing on India's Prime Minister
The India PM Newsletter for February 16, 2026 covers PM Modi stating India's progress in AI will contribute to global advancement, welcoming people from around the world for India AI Impact Summit, set to review India-France strategic partnership progress with President Macron in Mumbai, emphasising India must be prepared at all times for security challenges, calling on Vice President, meeting former President of India, receiving Grand Mufti of India, and condoling loss of lives in Rajasthan fire mishap.
NEWS IN DETAIL
India’s Progress In AI Will Also Contribute To Global Advancement: PM Modi
Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi said that being among innovators, researchers, and technology enthusiasts, highlights the extraordinary potential of Artificial Intelligence, Indian talent, and innovation.
He emphasized that India’s progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated: “Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!”
Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo brings together global technology firms, startups, academia and research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners.
The Expo also features 13 country pavilions, including those from Australia, Japan, Russia and UK. The pavilions highlight international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. It’s hosting over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations, structured across three thematic chakras - People, Planet and Progress.
In addition, the Expo features over 600 high-potential startups, many of them building globally relevant and population-scale solutions.
PM Modi Welcomes People From All Over World Coming To India For India AI Impact Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that it is a matter of immense pride for the countrymen that people from all over the world are coming to India for the India AI Impact Summit.
In a social media post, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to world leaders, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for the Summit.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the occasion is proof that the country is progressing rapidly in the field of science and technology, making an important contribution to global development.
The Prime Minister added that the occasion also shows the capability of the country’s youth. He also highlighted that the Summit’s theme of Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya, or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflects countries’ shared commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence for human-centric progress.
PM Modi, President Macron To Review Progress Of India-France Strategic Partnership in Mumbai
The Two Leaders To Inaugurate The India-France Year Of Innovation 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Mumbai on February 17, 2026 where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron.
President Emmanuel Macron will be on an official visit to India from February 17-19, 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India, as well as hold a bilateral summit with the Prime Minister in Mumbai. This will be President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai.
At around 3:15 PM on February 17, the two leaders will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, the PMO said in a statement.
During these engagements, they will review the progress made in the India-France Strategic Partnership. Their discussions will focus on cementing the strategic partnership and further diversifying it into new and emerging areas.
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance, the statement added.
At around 5:15 PM, the two leaders will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both countries.
India Has To Be Prepared At All Times To Deal With Security Challenges: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India has to be prepared at all times to deal with security challenges.
In an interview with a news agency, PM Modi highlighted that the benefits of a decade of defence reforms were evident during Operation Sindoor. He stressed that India has a duty to modernise its defence sector in line with current realities as a country that is playing an increasingly important role in the world.
Citing the allocation of 7.85 lakh crore rupees to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2026-27, Prime Minister Modi said the outlay is 15 per cent higher than the previous budget. He further stated that it is also the biggest chunk given to any ministry or department.
The Prime Minister further said that this year’s Union Budget reflects India’s yearning to become a developed nation. He added that the budget is not a ‘now or never’ moment born out of compulsion but a ‘we are ready’ moment born out of preparation and inspiration.
He also said that the tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure. He invited the whole world’s data to reside in India.
He further stated that the tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure.
PM Modi listed three priorities for the next decade: more structural reforms, deepening innovation, and simpler governance. He also asserted that his government’s “Reform Express” is benefiting common citizens in a big way.
Prime Minister Modi further said that women will play the most important role in creating Viksit Bharat, and initiatives taken by the government will empower them.
On the trade deals being done by India, the Prime Minister remarked that political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India. He added that stronger manufacturing, services, and MSMEs have enabled India to negotiate trade pacts from a position of strength. He highlighted that India’s Free Trade Agreements are designed to expand market access for MSMEs in textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors.
Prime Minister Modi criticised the UPA government, alleging that their economic mismanagement left India unable to negotiate from a position of confidence. He further stated that reform is the commitment of his government, and this has been demonstrated in letter and spirit.
Emphasising that the private sector is critical for the next phase of economic transformation, the Prime Minister requested a ‘decisive response’ from them. He added that the private sector must focus less on protecting margins and invest aggressively in R&D, supply chain, and quality. He said the next leap to Viksit Bharat will depend on bold investment by the private sector in innovation, long-term capacity, and global competitiveness.
PM Modi said he is never fully satisfied and believes that public life demands a certain constructive restlessness and a constant urge to do more. He, however, stressed that it is important to acknowledge the scale of progress achieved in the journey of Reform Express.
The Prime Minister said there is always a strong desire to achieve more for the people and to take the country forward.
Prime Minister Calls On Vice President
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| (Photo: X/@narendramodi) |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening called on Vice President CP Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Called on Vice President Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji at Uprashtrapati Bhavan earlier this evening. @VPIndia @CPR_VP”
Prime Minister Meets Former President of India
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| (Photo: X/@ramnathkovind) |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Replying to the X post of former President Kovind, PM Modi wrote: “Wonderful meeting former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji. His insights on various subjects are always thoughtful and enriching.”
The former President posted: “Glad to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the newly inaugurated Prime Minister’s Office ‘Seva Tirtha’. This building truly embodies ‘Nagarik Devo Bhav’—a sacred space of service, compassion, duty and Nation First. A powerful symbol of governance through seva. Best wishes to fellow citizens. @PMOIndia”
Grand Mufti of India Meets Prime Minister Modi
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| (Photo: X/@narendramodi) |
Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on a wide range of issues. The Prime Minister noted the Grand Mufti’s commendable efforts to further social harmony, brotherhood, and improve education across the country.
In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Had a very good interaction with Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Sahab, Grand Mufti of India. We exchanged views on a wide range of issues. His efforts to further social harmony, brotherhood and improve education are noteworthy. @shkaboobacker”
Prime Minister Condoles Loss Of Lives In Rajasthan Fire Mishap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the loss of lives in fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
The PMO India handle in post on X said: “The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured: PM @narendramodi”
