India AI Expo Summit to remain close for Public on Feb 19 : Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan
The India AI Expo Summit 2026 will remain closed to the public on February 19 due to high-level security arrangements for the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan announced on Wednesday.
The AI summit, being held in New Delhi, will instead remain open for an additional day on February 21 to accommodate visitors, following an overwhelming public response.
With nearly 20 heads of state expected at the inaugural session — including French President Emmanuel Macron — authorities have tightened security and traffic measures around the venue.
Security Measures Behind Closure on Feb 19
Krishnan said the decision to restrict public entry on February 19 was taken to ensure smooth conduct of the inaugural ceremony and avoid inconvenience due to traffic restrictions.
“The expo will now remain open on Saturday, February 21, allowing more visitors to attend and explore the exhibits,” he stated.
Global Participation at India AI Expo Summit 2026
The India AI Expo Summit 2026 has attracted significant global attention for showcasing cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovations across sectors including governance, enterprise, research and startups.
Spread across 10 arenas covering over 70,000 square metres, the AI expo will feature:
- Leading global technology companies
- Indian startups and innovators
- Academia and research institutions
- Union Ministries and state governments
- International delegations
The summit will also host 13 country pavilions, reflecting growing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem.
Participating countries include:
Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African nations.
Why India AI Expo Summit 2026 Matters
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading India’s AI push and global leaders like Emmanuel Macron in attendance, the summit highlights India’s growing role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence in the Global South and beyond.
The extended public day on February 21 is expected to boost visitor turnout and industry engagement at one of the largest AI exhibitions in the region.
