The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India’s flagship AI showcase, stumbled at the start on Monday, with logistical chaos threatening to overshadow its global ambitions.
The opening day was marred by long queues, overcrowding and last-minute security clearances that left delegates confused and frustrated. The event, positioned by the government as a landmark gathering to project India’s leadership in artificial intelligence, instead drew criticism online over organisational lapses at the venue.
Several attendees said unclear instructions led to chaos when parts of the exhibition complex were abruptly vacated ahead of security sweeps for high-level arrivals. Delegates were seen scrambling to retrieve belongings, while some speakers scheduled for Tuesday panels said they were still awaiting confirmation of session timings and agendas.
Poor signage, limited seating and access bottlenecks compounded the disorder at the summit, which is expected to draw around 2,50,000 participants over its run until February 20. Some sessions reportedly could not accommodate all registered attendees, raising questions about crowd management at an event of international scale.
Journalists covering the summit also reported confusion over entry protocols, including separate requirements for digital QR codes and physical passes. In several cases, physical badges were not ready for collection, while a lack of designated media workspaces hampered reporting and interviews.
For the government, the opening-day disruption risks diluting the summit’s larger message. Officials have projected the event as a platform to amplify the voices of developing nations in global AI governance, marking the first time the global gathering is being held in the developing world.
The summit continues amid heightened security and expectations that operational issues will be addressed in the coming days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo here. He also interacted with startups participating in the expo. The prime minister visited various stalls and spoke with the companies participating in the expo.
Expo features over 600 high-potential startups and 13 country pavilions showcasing international collaboration in AI ecosystem.
Expo brings together global technology firms, startups, academia and research institutions, central and state governments, and international partners.