India AI Expo 2026 Extended as Government Closes February 19 for High-Level AI Summit Events
The Government of India has revised the schedule of the India AI Expo 2026, announcing that the exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi will remain closed to the general public on February 19 due to high-level diplomatic engagements and security arrangements. To compensate visitors and manage record-breaking turnout, authorities have extended the expo by one additional day, allowing public access until February 21. The decision reflects the growing scale of global interest in India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The India AI Expo is part of the larger India AI Impact Summit 2026, a flagship platform showcasing innovation, policy discussions, and global partnerships in artificial intelligence. Organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the event has drawn massive crowds including students, developers, startups, investors, and international delegations. Officials described visitor enthusiasm as unprecedented, prompting logistical adjustments to ensure smoother movement and enhanced visitor experience.
Senior officials confirmed that the exhibition floor will remain restricted on February 19 because of closed-door sessions involving global leaders and industry executives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to formally inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit, setting the tone for discussions on AI governance, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.
The day’s agenda includes keynote addresses from world leaders, including the President of France and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. A private walkthrough of AI pavilions by the Prime Minister and visiting heads of state is planned mid-morning, followed by strategic meetings focused on global AI standards, data frameworks, and technology investment. An evening session will bring together government representatives and leading technology CEOs to explore partnerships and regulatory approaches.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said the expo was extended by a day because of overwhelming enthusiasm and to provide a more comfortable experience for visitors. Authorities have also expanded daily visiting hours, allowing entry until 8 pm to accommodate larger crowds.
The summit is expected to host more than 500 global AI leaders. Participants include around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and hundreds of senior technology professionals such as CTOs and vice presidents. Government participation is equally significant, with over 100 officials, including more than 20 heads of state and government and dozens of ministers and vice ministers.
Industry leaders and startup founders have largely welcomed the extension, describing it as a practical step that balances public engagement with diplomatic priorities. Visitors who travelled from different states expressed optimism that the additional day would allow them to explore demonstrations, networking sessions, and innovation showcases without heavy congestion.
Policy observers noted that restricting access for a single day is common for global technology summits where high-level security and bilateral meetings take priority. The move signals India’s ambition to position itself as a central venue for international technology diplomacy.
Analysis
The schedule change highlights the expanding scale of India’s AI ambitions. Hosting large-scale exhibitions alongside geopolitical discussions indicates a shift in how technology events function — not just as product showcases but as platforms shaping global policy. The presence of heads of state and major technology executives underscores the strategic importance of AI infrastructure, ethics, and investment frameworks.Extending hours and adding an extra day also reflects the growing domestic interest in artificial intelligence careers, research, and entrepreneurship. With India pushing initiatives around AI computing capacity, data platforms, and startup funding, such events are becoming key touchpoints for collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
The temporary closure of the India AI Expo on February 19 marks a logistical adjustment rather than a disruption. By extending the exhibition through February 21 and expanding visiting hours, the government aims to balance public participation with high-level diplomatic engagement. The development reinforces India’s positioning as a major global hub for AI innovation and policy dialogue.
Our Final Thoughts
The India AI Expo 2026 schedule change reflects the scale at which India is now operating in the global technology landscape. The ability to attract world leaders, top executives, and thousands of visitors to a single platform signals strong momentum in the country’s AI strategy. While temporary restrictions may inconvenience some visitors, the extension ensures wider access and better crowd management. More importantly, the summit positions India at the centre of conversations around AI governance, investment, and innovation. The coming days will likely shape new partnerships and policy directions that could influence how artificial intelligence develops across emerging economies. For India’s startup ecosystem and research community, the event represents both opportunity and visibility on the global stage.