New Delhi, India — February 18, 2026
Massive turnout forces schedule change. Organizers have extended the India AI Impact Summit 2026 by one day after record registrations and visitor crowds. The expo will remain closed to the public on Feb 19 but reopen Feb 20–21 with longer hours.
Summit Extended After Record Public Response
The Government of India announced Wednesday that the India AI Impact Summit 2026 has been extended by one day following an overwhelming response from visitors and exhibitors. Originally scheduled to conclude on February 20, the event will now run until February 21 to accommodate demand and improve visitor experience.
Officials said the decision was taken after assessing footfall levels and registration data, which indicated significantly higher participation than anticipated.
Expo Closed Feb 19, Reopens With Longer Hours
Organizers also revised the exhibition schedule. The expo will now remain open until 8:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM, giving attendees additional time to explore displays.
However, the summit will be closed to the general public on February 19 due to restricted sessions and scheduled programs. Public access to the exhibition will resume on February 20 and February 21.
Registrations Cross 300,000
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said more than 300,000 people have registered for the summit, highlighting growing enthusiasm around artificial intelligence.
According to him, roughly 250,000 visitors—most under age 30—have already visited the exhibition area, reflecting strong youth interest in emerging technologies.
Registrations Temporarily Closed
Due to overwhelming demand and limited on-site capacity, organizers have temporarily suspended new registrations on the official summit website. A notice stated that the event is currently oversubscribed, signaling intense public interest in AI innovation and industry developments.
Minister Apologizes for Opening-Day Issues
Addressing reports of logistical challenges on the first day, Vaishnaw apologized to participants, noting that the unexpectedly large turnout created operational strain. He emphasized that the government remains open to feedback and is committed to improving arrangements to ensure a smoother experience for attendees.
Officials described the summit as one of the world’s largest AI gatherings, drawing participation from industry leaders, startups, researchers, and students.
