India AI Impact Summit 2026 Opens to Massive Crowds, Day 1 Marred by Delays and Confusion

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 began in New Delhi with overwhelming participation from global technology firms, startups, policymakers and international delegates. While the event has been billed as one of the world’s largest artificial intelligence gatherings, its opening day was marked by crowd congestion, communication gaps and operational challenges.

Held at Bharat Mandapam, the summit attracted thousands of visitors, prompting organisers to advise attendees to allow extra time due to long queues and heightened security procedures.

Heavy Footfall Causes Delays and Entry Confusion

The surge in attendance created bottlenecks at entry points and security checkpoints.

Exhibitors and startup founders reported:

• Long queues and delayed entry

• Conflicting instructions from security personnel

• Overlapping security protocols

• Temporary evacuation of stalls during security sweeps

Some exhibitors said they were asked to vacate booths ahead of high-level security checks without clear timelines for re-entry.

Organisers acknowledged the issues and said steps are being taken to improve crowd management and coordination for the remaining days of the summit.

Startup Founder Alleges Device Theft During Evacuation

Amid the confusion, Dhananjay Yadav, co-founder of Neo Sapien, alleged that AI wearables left at his booth went missing after exhibitors were asked to vacate the area for security checks.

He said participants were assured their devices would remain safe.

According to Yadav, the incident caused financial and operational setbacks after significant investment in travel, logistics and exhibition costs.

Delegates Report Long Wait Times and Limited Communication

Punit Jain, founder of Reskill, said exhibitors and delegates were left waiting outside for hours without clear communication.

He noted that if access was restricted due to VIP movements, it should have been communicated in advance to avoid confusion.

Entrepreneur Priyanshu Ratnakar also highlighted logistical issues, including:

• Patchy Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity

• Registration system delays

• Limited seating arrangements

• Difficulty accessing workspaces

Some journalists covering the summit also reported confusion regarding entry passes and access permissions.

Organisers Promise Smoother Operations Ahead

Despite the initial disruptions, organisers assured participants that corrective measures have been implemented to ease congestion and improve communication.

Officials emphasised that crowd flow, access management and coordination will be smoother in the coming days.

The summit runs until February 20.

One of the World’s Largest AI Gatherings

The event was inaugurated by Prime minister Narendra Modi and aims to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence innovation.

Spread across 10 arenas covering over 70,000 square metres, the summit features:

• 300+ exhibition pavilions

• Live AI demonstrations

• Participation from 600+ startups

• Global technology firms and research institutions

The exhibition is organised around three themes: People, Planet and Progress.

Strong Global Participation

The summit highlights international collaboration, with country pavilions representing:

Australia, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and Africa.

Many startups are showcasing AI solutions already deployed at scale in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, governance and education.

High Expectations Despite Rocky Start

While Day 1 faced logistical challenges, exhibitors and attendees remain optimistic about the opportunities the summit offers.

The gathering is expected to shape global AI conversations and strengthen India’s role in building inclusive and responsible artificial intelligence solutions.