India’s AI Impact Summit opened in New Delhi on Monday with scenes of disorder that undercut the government’s effort to position the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence governance and innovation. Long queues, access confusion and overcrowding dominated the first day of the high-profile event, drawing criticism from attendees, exhibitors and journalists.
The summit, hosted at the Bharat Mandapam complex and scheduled to run through February 20, is expected to host more than 250,000 participants, including global technology executives, policymakers and heads of state. Indian officials have promoted the event as a platform for emerging economies to shape the future of AI policy rather than simply adopt frameworks set by the West.
Several attendees reported waiting up to an hour to enter the venue, abrupt security clearances of halls, unclear badge requirements and poor signage. Several participants said they were unable to access scheduled sessions or exhibition booths well into the day, while social media filled with images of crowds stretching across the complex.
Startup founders and exhibitors described the situation as disruptive and costly. Some reported missing investor meetings and demos, while others complained of insufficient staff support and workspace. A startup founder also alleged that company equipment went missing during a security sweep, further amplifying concerns about crowd management and coordination.
“Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If you’re also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bolna team, dm me,” Maitreya Wagh, co-founder of AI voice startup Bolna, wrote on X. “We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe.”
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As reported by Reuters, journalists were left scrambling to make sense of clarity on entry procedures, with confusion over separate digital QR codes and physical passes for access. The internet was also in shambles, as creators struggled to get content out. Some people even took to internet to complain about the protocol safety of high-dignitaries such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that caused further delays in easy accessibility.
The Indian AI Summit is part of a global series of AI governance meetings following earlier gatherings in Paris and Seoul, and includes participation from leaders and delegations across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Panels are set to address AI safety, regulation, workforce disruption and the use of AI for social development, themes India has sought to champion on the international stage.
While organizers continued with scheduled sessions and said arrangements would improve over the coming days, the opening-day missteps overshadow what India promises the world. An event that could not even handle the promise of providing physical passes would take a huge time to straighten itself out of the Gordian knot.
India’s ambitions in artificial intelligence are bold and multifaceted, positioning the country as a major global player in the coming years. And even though India wants to lead the world in inclusive, ethical, democratized AI, it seems like they cannot organize a summit without the Wi-Fi working properly.
Unlike the Modi administration, Pakistan conducted a successful government-led Indus AI Week 2026 from 9 to 15 February 2026, to transition the National AI Policy 2025 into action and position Pakistan as a global contender in the AI landscape.
India’s IT ministry did not respond to a request for comment by TechJuice.
