Amidst concerns over mismanagement at the India AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam, former IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the organization of the event. He highlighted the significant participation of tech giants and global leaders, emphasizing the scale of the summit compared to previous AI gatherings in India and around the world. Chandrasekhar pointed out that the India AI Impact Summit 2026 had already attracted over 300,000 attendees, far surpassing the turnout at similar events in other countries.
Drawing comparisons to AI summits in the UK, South Korea, and France, Chandrasekhar showcased India’s strength in technology and innovation on a global stage. He stated that the summit aimed to demonstrate how India could leverage technology for the benefit of its citizens. Despite criticisms from the Opposition and social media regarding organizational flaws, Chandrasekhar acknowledged the summit’s shortcomings, attributing them to the overwhelming interest and participation from Indians.
Acknowledging the concerns raised about the event, Chandrasekhar highlighted the importance of the summit in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a technologically advanced India. He mentioned that Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team expressed regret for any inconvenience caused at the summit, emphasizing the unprecedented enthusiasm among Indians for shaping the country’s role in the AI landscape.
