AI Summit Snarl: Ashwini Vaishnaw Apologises, Says Massive Youth Turnout Behind Day-One Disruptions

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 17:28 IST

With total registrations already surpassing 300,000, the first day saw long queues and significant delays at entry points

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a formal apology on Tuesday for the logistical hurdles and overcrowding that marred the opening day of the India AI Impact Summit. Speaking at a press conference at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, the minister attributed the disruptions to a “phenomenal" and unprecedented surge in attendance, which saw more than 70,000 people arrive at the venue on the first day alone.

Phenomenal Turnout and Operational Challenges

The summit, positioned as one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to artificial intelligence, initially struggled to cope with the sheer scale of global interest. With total registrations already surpassing 300,000, the first day saw long queues and significant delays at entry points. Participants, including startup founders, international delegates, and researchers, reported being stranded for hours as security protocols for VVIP movements—including the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—clashed with the massive public footfall.

“The response was phenomenal. The energy is palpable," Vaishnaw remarked, acknowledging the enthusiasm of the youth and the tech community. He admitted that the intensity of the crowd had caused “pockets of confusion", but assured stakeholders that a dedicated war room has been operational since Monday to streamline the experience for the remainder of the five-day event.

Incidents and Corrective Measures

The first day was not without specific controversies. Several exhibitors and startup founders voiced their disappointment on social media over overlapping security directives. Most notably, Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of Neo Sapien, alleged that AI wearables intended for display were stolen from his stall during a mandatory security evacuation for the Prime Minister’s visit. Other attendees flagged “patchy" Wi-Fi connectivity and registration glitches that prevented even pre-registered delegates from accessing certain sessions.

Responding to these criticisms, Vaishnaw emphasised that the government is “open-minded" and actively seeking feedback to ensure the organisation remains smooth. He noted that seating capacities and help desks have been increased, and communication regarding security sweeps has been improved to prevent a repeat of the opening-day chaos.

A Vision for India’s AI Stack

Beyond the apologies, the minister utilised the platform to outline India’s ambitious AI roadmap. He projected that the country is poised to receive over $200 billion in investments across the “AI stack" over the next two years. He highlighted India’s unique position in the Global South, leveraging its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to democratise AI access.

The summit, which features over 300 pavilions and delegates from 60 countries, continues to host high-profile discussions on responsible AI, sovereign models like BharatGen, and the inevitable role of AI in national defence. Despite the initial friction, the minister maintained that the event’s scale proves India has arrived as a central pillar of the global AI map.

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