New Delhi : The highly anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, faced widespread online criticism on its opening day as attendees reported significant logistical challenges, long queues, and payment issues that overshadowed the event’s technology showcase and global ambitions.
The summit — which runs from February 16 to February 20, 2026 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — is advertised as one of the largest global gatherings focused on artificial intelligence, innovation, and policy for emerging technologies. Hundreds of thousands of visitors, industry leaders, startups and policymakers were expected to attend.
Logistical Issues and Crowd Congestion
On Day 1, many visitors and participants encountered long queues at entry gates, with reports of lines beginning as early as 7 AM and waits stretching for hours. Attendees highlighted overcrowding, poor signage and limited seating inside the venue, making navigation difficult for both delegates and the general public.
Several speakers and journalists reported confusion over access passes, with physical badges not ready at collection counters and unclear instructions about digital QR entry systems causing further delays.
UPI Issues and Cash-Only Payments
One major point of frustration shared widely on social media was the lack of UPI payment support at food and beverage stalls. Instead, many vendors accepted only cash, which surprised attendees at a technology summit in a country known for its digital payment infrastructure. Poor internet connectivity inside parts of the venue also disrupted digital transactions, limiting access to online services and forcing cash-only systems.
Social Media Backlash
Delegates, startup founders and other participants took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and online forums to share their real-time experiences. Complaints ranged from being unable to access exhibition booths to allegations of technical and organizational lapses. Some entrepreneurs shared posts about being locked out of their booths during crowd evacuations, leading to items allegedly going missing.
Reactions on Reddit and other social channels reflected mixed sentiments: while some attendees acknowledged the educational aspects of the summit, many criticized poor planning, lack of clear communication, and chaotic crowd management.
Organizational Challenges Overshadow Event Messaging
The summit was positioned by Indian officials as a platform to amplify the voices of developing nations in global AI governance and to boost India’s role in shaping AI policy worldwide. However, the logistical issues on the opening day — including long wait times, technology failures, crowd congestion, and payment problems — have drawn attention away from policy discussions and innovation goals.
Looking Ahead
Organizers and government representatives have yet to publicly respond to the criticisms, and feedback from Day 1 is likely to influence how the remaining days of the summit are managed. With global tech leaders, CEOs and policymakers expected to attend later in the week, efforts to improve attendee experience and operational logistics will be crucia