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India AI Summit Draws 3 Lakh+ vs Global Thousands, Ex-Minister Defends Scale

Former IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the India AI Summit's organization by highlighting its massive scale, with over 300,000 attendees compared to mere thousands at similar global events. He attributed reported logistical issues to this unprecedented turnout and framed the summit as a milestone for India's tech ambitions. The event faced criticism from the Opposition and on social media for alleged mismanagement and chaos. Chandrasekhar acknowledged some flaws but emphasized the summit's role in showcasing India's AI capabilities and aligning with the national tech vision.

Key Points: India AI Summit Attendance Hits 300,000, Ex-IT Minister Shares Data

  • 300,000+ attendance at India AI Summit
  • Global summits drew only thousands
  • Ex-minister cites scale for logistical challenges
  • Opposition criticizes event management
  • Summit aligns with PM's tech vision
3 min read

Unlike thousands elsewhere, lakhs turned up for India AI Summit: Ex-IT minister shares data to dispel 'narrative'

Former IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar defends India AI Summit scale, citing 300,000+ attendance vs global thousands, amid criticism of mismanagement.

"The India AI Impact Summit 2026 attracted reported attendance over 300,000 already - compared to the few thousands in other summits. - Rajeev Chandrasekhar"

New Delhi, Feb 18

Amidst the uproar over alleged mismanagement and chaos at the ongoing India AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam, former Information and Technology minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday sought to defend the organisation of the 'largest ever' AI-related congregation in India, bringing hordes of tech giants and global leaders under one roof for elaborate discussion and deliberations on Artificial Intelligence and deep tech.

He drew a comparison between the AI Summits, held in India, Europe and other parts of the world in the past two years, sharing the scale and intensity of participation and in turn suggesting the possible reason behind botched-up arrangements at the Bharat Mandapam.

"The India AI Impact Summit 2026 attracted reported attendance over 300,000 already - compared to the few thousands in other summits," he informed and also shared data on turnouts at previous such congregations.

According to information shared by him, a similar AI Summit in UK's Bletchley Park (November 2023) drew attendees in the range of hundreds while in South Korea's Seoul (May 2024), similar turnout occurred with people participating in hybrid mode while the one in France's Paris (February 2005) saw moderate congregation with over few thousand AI enthusiasts and experts gathering for the deliberations.

Chandrasekhar further said that the India AI Impact Summit showcases India's capability and strength in demonstrating before the world how it can harness technology and innovation for the benefit of 1.4 crore Indians.

Notably, the first-of-its-kind AI Summit gave the Opposition a chance to lambast the government over 'inept and inefficient' handling of an event, which it claimed could have been a game-changer.

The issue also found traction on social media, eliciting remarks from netizens and the Congress launching a scathing critique of the government, holding it accountable for the "chaos" that unfolded. It said that AI could have been a showpiece at the AI event, but it became a "victim of PR hungry government."

Rajeev Chandrasekhar admitted that the summit had some organisational flaws and attributed the alleged mismanagement to the huge participation of Indians, who remain key stakeholders in PM Modi's vision of digital, tech and AI.

"This summit represents an important milestone for PM Modi's vision of an India Techade," he added.

He also stated that the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team were considerate enough to express regret for some inconvenience at the Summit; however, it was the unprecedented interest and excitement among the countrymen regarding India's role and contribution in shaping the AI landscape that led to unprecedented circumstances, though isolated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While the turnout is impressive, the minister admitting to "organisational flaws" is key. We can celebrate the scale AND demand better management. For a country aspiring to be a tech leader, event logistics should be top-notch. Hope they learn for next time! 🤞
R
Rohit P
This is typical. First, create a hype, invite everyone, then when arrangements fail, blame it on the "unprecedented excitement" of the people. Why not plan for the excitement? A summit of this importance deserved seamless execution. A bit disappointing, to be honest.
S
Sarah B
As someone who attended, the energy was electric! Yes, there were long lines and some confusion, but being among 300,000 people passionate about AI's future was incredible. The content and speakers were world-class. This is India's moment on the global tech stage.
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Vikram M
Comparing a summit in India to one in Bletchley Park with "hundreds" is like comparing a Kumbh Mela to a local temple festival. The scale is inherently different. The challenge is managing that scale with efficiency. Glad the minister acknowledged the issues, that's a start.
K
Karthik V
The opposition's criticism is valid but seems like politics as usual. Every large event has teething issues. The bigger picture is India hosting a global AI conversation of this magnitude. That's a proud moment for all of us. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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