Stuck in Delhi traffic, US entrepreneur misses PM Modi’s gala dinner

Delhi traffic jam

An American entrepreneur missed a high-profile dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital after being caught in hours-long traffic, prompting her to share the experience online.

Sara Hooker, co-founder and CEO of Adaption Labs, had attended sessions earlier in the day at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. She later returned to her hotel to change from casual attire into formal wear for the evening gala, which was organised for select global delegates and industry leaders.

However, when she attempted to travel back to the venue, her car was stuck in severe traffic for nearly four hours. Unable to reach in time, she eventually cancelled her plans and returned to her hotel.

I got the invite to the gala with the Prime Minister, but got stuck in traffic getting back to the venue after I changed into gala attire (changed out of my jeans). Would have been honored to attend. But after 4h in traffic was equally honored to sit down to really excellent… https://t.co/05fZdoqruApic.twitter.com/JRhbHzi9wO

— Sara Hooker (@sarahookr) February 19, 2026

Hooker later took to Twitter (formerly X) to recount the evening and shared a photo of the Indian meal she ordered via room service.

“I got the invite to the gala with the Prime Minister, but got stuck in traffic getting back to the venue after I changed into gala attire (changed out of my jeans),” she wrote.

“Would have been honored to attend. But after 4h in traffic was equally honored to sit down to really excellent room service at 11 pm,” she added.

Her post quickly drew attention online, with many users sympathising with her experience of navigating Delhi’s peak-hour congestion.