The opening day of India’s AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on February 16, 2026, promised a showcase for global tech leaders but instead descended into disorder as heavy security and preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit left exhibitors locked out, attendees confused and several wearable AI devices reportedly stolen. Organisers’ rush to clear exhibition halls ahead of the prime minister’s scheduled 2pm arrival disrupted the event’s opening hours and sparked criticism from participants and startups.
“We were unable to enter because the PM was coming, and everyone else was not treated well,” Prashant Maurya, co-founder and CEO of SpheronAI, told Firstpost, saying he arrived around 12pm to find gates closed with no clear communication or alternative entry routes, leaving teams stranded outside. Multiple exhibitors described ad hoc evacuations, missing signboards and no guidance from security staff.
Many vendors said they were hurried out of their stalls and given no directions on where to regroup or access basics such as water and refreshments. “We didn’t know which gate to enter, which gate would be close to which hall. There was no guidance from security personnel,” said Nishtha Tiwari of SmoothAI Pvt Ltd. Another exhibitor, speaking on condition of anonymity, complained that allocated booths lacked basic amenities. Several attendees noted that crowd management improved on the summit’s second day.
The disruption went beyond inconvenience. Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of wearable-AI maker Neo Sapiens, said several devices left at his booth during the noon clearing vanished by the time he was allowed back in. Yadav, who posted about the incident on X on February 16, said his company had spent on travel and logistics only to see products disappear inside a high-security zone; he added that the Delhi Police have since been helpful in the follow-up.
By Day 2, exhibitors and students reported steadier crowd control and better navigation inside the venue; one student said a friend’s guidance made all the difference after an initial kilometre-long queue. Some industry figures urged perspective, calling the hiccups “teething problems” for a summit India will host again. Ankit Vij, co-founder and CEO of Codespire, argued attendees should focus on solutions and mutual support as the country builds its AI ecosystem.
Organisers face pressure to tighten coordination, improve signage and protect exhibitors’ equipment if future editions hope to match global events such as NVIDIA GTC or Dubai trade fairs. The summit’s rocky start highlighted gaps in event management even as participants voiced optimism that lessons learned will smooth the path for subsequent gatherings.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-ai-summit-day-1-pure-chaos-stolen-devices-long-queues-day-2-relief13980715-13980715.html
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-17 18:17:00
