Watch: Sundar Pichai sips 'Bharat GI' coffee at AI Summit; what the 'world exclusive' initiative is about
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, made a notable appearance at the Bharat GI Coffee Lounge during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where he sipped on Indian Geographical Indication (GI) coffee. This moment highlighted the newly launched "Bharat GI" initiative, a national program aimed at promoting unique Indian products with geographical heritage. The initiative is designed to give these products global recognition and premium positioning in international markets.
The Bharat GI initiative was introduced by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as part of India's efforts to showcase its rich cultural and historical legacy through its goods. Starting with Indian GI Coffee, the program seeks to promote products that carry centuries of skill, community knowledge, and regional distinctiveness. These include not only coffee but also spices, handicrafts, and textiles, which are deeply rooted in India’s heritage.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it represents "A World Exclusive" brand for Indian GI products. Goyal invited global audiences to experience the unique aroma and flavor of these authentic items, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. The event took place at the Bharat GI Coffee Lounge in Hall 14 of Bharat Mandapam from February 17-20, 2026.
This initiative is a strategic move to boost India's exports and cultural heritage on a global scale. By aligning with international demand for unique, authentic products, Bharat GI aims to position Indian goods as premium and irreplaceable in the global market. The involvement of influential figures like Sundar Pichai further underscores the potential of this initiative to drive economic growth and cultural pride.
The launch of Bharat GI reflects India's commitment to preserving its traditional knowledge and skills while leveraging them for modern, international opportunities. This effort is part of a broader push to promote indigenous products under the "Make in India" campaign, signaling India's ambition to become a global leader in unique, heritage-driven exports.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026