At a time when artificial intelligence is one of the biggest global buzzwords, expectations were sky-high for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 a landmark gathering designed to showcase India’s ambitions in shaping the future of AI. The summit, held at the expansive Bharat Mandapam convention centre, aimed to blend futuristic technology with practical policymaking. Yet for many attendees, the real highlight on Day One wasn’t the cutting-edge announcements, it was the irony of real-world glitches that left a lasting impression.
As crowds poured in, early excitement quickly collided with logistical challenges. Delegates reported long queues stretching for hours just to get inside, sometimes arriving hours before registration counters opened. Once inside, things didn’t improve much: mobile internet was so weak that browsing, messaging, or even accessing information about the summit became a challenge.
Adding to the irony, the food stalls at the summit became a talking point. Despite the event being a showcase for digital India and artificial intelligence, several stalls accepted only cash, with no options for UPI or card payments. Attendees were amused and puzzled that the disconnect between a high-tech summit and basic payment facilities did not go unnoticed.
Online reactions reflected a mix of amusement, frustration, and disbelief. Many joked that India had “proven AI can solve world hunger… but not manage queues.” Some attendees even posted satirical commentary highlighting the chaos, capturing the lighter side of the mishaps.
The logistical hiccups went beyond payments and connectivity. Reports of overcrowded halls, unclear signage, restricted access to exhibition areas, and confusion over session timings emerged throughout the day. Certain parts of the venue were vacated ahead of high-profile visits from dignitaries, leaving attendees stranded outside for hours.
Startup founders and exhibitors, who had traveled long distances to showcase innovations, felt the impact acutely. Many struggled to present prototypes or lost valuable networking time due to sudden access restrictions, while basic amenities such as seating and drinking water were insufficient for the large crowd.
Yet amid the criticism, one underlying theme emerged: the enormous level of enthusiasm and curiosity around AI in India. Hundreds of entrepreneurs, students, tech enthusiasts, and policymakers converged at the summit, signaling strong interest in conversations about artificial intelligence and its role in India’s future.
The India AI Impact Summit may have faced bumps on its first day, but the experience highlights a larger truth as the country pushes toward digital leadership, the journey must balance big ideas with flawless execution. On-ground realities from connectivity to seamless organisation will need to match the lofty vision if India’s tech ambitions are to take full flight.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
