AI Summit Chaos: India's Tech Showcase Marred by Disarray

India's AI Impact Summit, held in New Delhi, was met with a wave of online criticism on its opening day, Monday, February 16th. Reports emerged of severe organizational lapses, including long queues, overcrowding, and unclear instructions for attendees. This disarray at an event intended to showcase India's technological ambitions could potentially undermine the government's narrative on its advancements in artificial intelligence. The summit, which runs until February 20th, aims to be a platform for developing nations to voice their perspectives on global AI governance, marking the first time this global event is hosted in the developing world. Confusion over entry procedures, including digital QR codes and physical passes, was also a significant issue for journalists and delegates. Some reporters mentioned a lack of readiness for promised physical passes and insufficient seating for filing stories or conducting interviews. Social media platforms were abuzz with attendee complaints, with some startup representatives even humorously suggesting alternative meeting spots due to access issues at the venue.