AI Impact Summit 2026 Opens to Crowds in New Delhi

The AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced on February 16, 2026, in New Delhi, marking India's flagship event dedicated to artificial intelligence. Inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit drew an impressive turnout, filling the Bharat Mandapam venue to capacity, with reports suggesting over 250,000 registrations, according to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan.

Officials had promoted the event extensively over the past months, hosting pre-summit activities across Indian cities and internationally. This effort seemed fruitful, as nearly all areas of the expansive 100-acre complex were filled with attendees eager to engage in insightful discussions and networking opportunities. The venue included over 100 scheduled events, though the total number of attendees was not disclosed by government representatives.

The exhibition hall housed more than 400 booths from industry leaders, academia, startups, and global technology firms, further highlighting the diverse interests in the field of artificial intelligence. However, the event faced challenges, with some attendees reporting issues such as overcrowding, lengthy queues at food courts, and difficulties with access to drinking water. Complaints emerged regarding vendors who reportedly refused digital payments and issues with food supplies running low.

Significant security measures led to some exhibitors being asked to vacate certain areas at short notice. Meanwhile, there were incidents reported of stolen items, including wearable devices meant for display. As an innovative response to the crowd situation, a quick-commerce platform established grocery and snack drop-off points throughout the venue, while an online food service facilitated meal deliveries.

To enhance visitor experience, a system aimed at expedited entry, known as Digi Yatra, was piloted, allowing attendees to access the venue using facial recognition technology.

In comments shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the summit's role in enriching global discussions around innovation and the responsible use of AI. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the event would significantly impact the future landscape of technology.

As the day progressed, Prime Minister Modi visited the exhibition space, acknowledging the international interest in the summit. He remarked that the gathering was a testament to India's rapid advancements in science and technology, highlighting the country’s growing influence in the global tech landscape.

The summit will feature prominent speakers, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft President Brad Smith, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis during its concluding session. However, expectations were diminished as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang cancelled his appearance, while former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, initially listed as a speaker, was also not confirmed to attend.

The AI Impact Summit 2026 runs for five days and is positioned as a critical platform for discussions surrounding the future of artificial intelligence, innovation, and collaboration in the technology sector. The event seems to promise significant contributions to the discourse on responsible AI use amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape.