Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has backed the India AI Impact Summit following widespread complaints about overcrowding and logistical confusion on its opening day, asserting that the event marks a key step in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s technology vision.
In a detailed post on X, Chandrasekhar acknowledged the disruption on the first day but framed it as a byproduct of massive public enthusiasm. “Yes there was chaos on day 1 -- Organizing minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and his team have apologized for it. But reasons are the unprecedented interest amongst young indians especially to learn and be part of Indias AI future - and hence the unexpected large numbers of visitors,” he wrote.
He stressed that despite “some organizational flaws,” the gathering should be seen in a broader context. “This summit may have some organizational flaws, but make no mistake - This summit represents an important milestone for PMs vision of a #IndiaTechade #SecondWave.”
Chandrasekhar situated the summit within what he described as India’s larger digital journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India under PM @narendramodi ji has demonstrated to the world how tech and innovation can be harnessed for the benefit of 1.4 billion India via #IndiaDPI,” he said.
India under PM @narendramodi ji has demonstrated to the world how tech and innovation can be harnessed for the benefit of 1.4 billion India via #IndiaDPI. Tech is not just abt research, innovation as far as India is concerned. Tech has driven and drives real transformation in… pic.twitter.com/gs4eApZ8Na— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) February 18, 2026
He argued that in the Indian context, technology extends beyond laboratories and product development. “Tech is not just abt research, innovation as far as India is concerned. Tech has driven and drives real transformation in governance, democracy and economic growth and trust.”
Pointing to attendance numbers, he said the scale of participation distinguished the event from similar global forums. “The #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 has attracted reported attendance over 300,000 already - compared to the few thousands in other summits,” he noted, attributing this to the large number of Indians who see themselves as stakeholders in the country’s digital future.
Apology from Ashwini Vaishnaw
The defence came as IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly apologised for the inconvenience faced by participants and said corrective measures were underway.
“Whatever feedback you have, please share with us. We are open-minded. We have a war room operating right now...any issue which is there, please report to us. We definitely will take efforts to make it smoother and make it more enjoyable for all of you,” Vaishnaw said during a briefing.
He added, “If anybody has faced any problems yesterday, my apologies for that. We are working very hard. The entire team is working day and night to organise this world's biggest AI Summit, and we'll make all efforts to make sure it is enjoyable for all of you”.
Criticism
The summit, being held in New Delhi until February 20 and projected as a platform to amplify the voice of developing nations in global AI governance, drew sharp reactions after attendees reported long queues, unclear entry protocols and congestion at the venue.
Some delegates told Reuters that instructions were inconsistent, with confusion over digital QR codes and physical passes. Journalists cited difficulties in accessing promised accreditation cards and limited workspace facilities. Several participants also complained of inadequate signage and insufficient seating in session halls.
Entrepreneur Maitreya Wagh, co-founder of AI voice startup Bolna, wrote on X: “Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If you're also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bolna team, dm me.” In a subsequent post, he said, “We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe.”
Another entrepreneur, Dhananjay Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO at NeoSapien, described what he called a troubling sequence of events. “Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us,” he wrote. He recounted being asked to vacate the venue for security reasons ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit and said, “Seemed like there was lack of co-ordination between the security itself.”
According to Yadav, when he sought clarity on removing equipment, he was told, “others are leaving even laptops behind, security will take care.” He later claimed that “our wearables were stolen,” adding, “If only security and official entourage had access, how did this happen?”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticised the event’s management, writing, “All that glitters is not gold.” He accused the government of prioritising optics over planning, stating, “All spectacle, no substance,” and added in Hindi, “naam bade aur darshan chhote”.
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