Long queues, confusion mark opening of India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: India’s AI Impact Summit, aimed at showcasing the country’s technological ambitions, faced criticism on its opening day on Monday as attendees reported long queues, overcrowding and organisational lapses at the venue in New Delhi.

Several delegates told Reuters that unclear instructions left many scrambling to retrieve their belongings after the exhibition building was abruptly cleared ahead of security sweeps for high-level arrivals. Some speakers scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s panel discussions were still awaiting confirmation of their sessions and agendas.

Participants said poor signage and limited seating added to the confusion at the summit, where around 250,000 people are expected. Some sessions were unable to accommodate all those seeking entry.

India’s Information Technology Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Developing nations and AI push

For Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, organisational shortcomings at a high-profile international event risk overshadowing its broader message of positioning India as a global technology leader.

Officials have described the summit, which runs until February 20, as a platform to amplify the voices of developing nations in global artificial intelligence governance. The New Delhi event marks the first time the global AI gathering is being hosted in a developing country.

Journalists covering the summit said they spent much of Monday seeking clarity on entry procedures, citing confusion over separate digital QR codes and physical passes required for access. Messages shared in a WhatsApp group for attendees highlighted uncertainty around registration and entry protocols.

Several reporters said physical passes promised for collection were not ready, while others complained about a lack of adequate seating arrangements to file stories and conduct interviews.

Many attendees took to social media to express frustration over the arrangements.

“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,” he added, referring to the commercial district near the summit venue.