India AI Summit: $200 Billion Dreams Meets Chaos
India wanted to show the world it was ready for the AI age. Instead, the AI Impact Summit became a masterclass in disorganization — and a reminder that big ambitions do not always equal smooth execution.
The event, one of the world largest AI gatherings, drew tech titans including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google Sundar Pichai, and Anthropic Dario Amodei. India announced plans to attract $200 billion in AI investment over the next two years. Eighty-eight countries signed the New Delhi Declaration on global AI cooperation.
But the chaos told a different story.
A Reporter Nightmare
CNBC Arjun Kharpal, on the ground since Monday, called it one of the most challenging reporting assignments of my career.
Traffic in New Delhi was unbearable. On Wednesday, Kharpal had events at three different hotels — getting his team around on time was a real challenge.
On Thursday, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to inaugurate the event, media was not even sure when they would be allowed in. Eventually told to arrive at 6 a.m., they were still blocked by security until a crowd gathered. Inside, guards gave conflicting instructions.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw eventually apologized for the problems on day one.
The Robot Dog Debacle
Then came the embarrassment no one needed.
Galgotias University showcased a robot dog — and told state-run DD News the university had developed it. There was just one problem: the robot was actually made by Chinese firm Unitree.
Online users quickly called out the claim. The university was reportedly kicked from the summit. It denied claiming credit, saying the robotic programming is part of our endeavor to make students learn AI programming.
The Hand-Holding Fiasco
Modi had executives on stage holding hands in a symbolic gesture of unity. But Sam Altman and Dario Amodei did not follow instructions — in a moment instantly mocked across social media.
Altman later said he was confused about what he was supposed to do.
The awkwardness was amplified by the fact that Anthropic had just run a Super Bowl ad taking digs at OpenAI decision to test ads in ChatGPT.
Bill Gates No-Shows
Bill Gates was scheduled to keynote — then pulled out. The reason: controversy over his name appearing in Epstein files. The Gates Foundation had confirmed his speech, then backtracked.
Despite Everything, Big Tech Came
Through all the chaos, the summit pulled in tech biggest names — all talking up India potential: a massive talent pool, a huge consumer market, and a growing AI ecosystem.
OpenAI announced it would be the first customer of Tata Consultancy Services data center business. Google unveiled education partnerships for its Gemini AI.
The excitement here, it just been incredible to watch, Altman told CNBC.
India message — $200 billion in AI investment, 88 nations signed to cooperation — got lost in the noise. But the message sent was clear anyway: India wants in. Badly. It just needs to figure out how to execute.