Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026, describing it as a “disorganised PR event” and questioning both its execution and intent. His remarks have triggered a political exchange between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), placing the spotlight on India’s ambitions to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
The India AI Impact Summit, currently being held in New Delhi, is a high-profile international conference organised under the government’s IndiaAI Mission. The event has brought together policymakers, technology executives, startup founders, researchers and international delegates to deliberate on artificial intelligence policy, innovation and governance. The summit is projected as a platform to showcase India’s AI capabilities and to strengthen global partnerships in emerging technologies.
Rahul Gandhi’s criticism came through a public statement in which he alleged that the summit appeared more focused on optics than substance. Referring to organisational issues and controversies that surfaced during the event, he characterised it as a publicity-driven exercise rather than a serious effort to advance India’s AI ecosystem. His remarks also alluded to concerns raised online about foreign-manufactured technology products being displayed at the exhibition component of the summit.
One of the points that gained traction in public discourse was a controversy surrounding a robotic device exhibited at a stall linked to an educational institution. Reports indicated that the device was a Chinese-manufactured robotic dog, which led to allegations that imported products were being showcased in a manner that suggested indigenous development. The issue prompted scrutiny from authorities and added to the broader political narrative around technological self-reliance.
The Congress leader further questioned whether the summit meaningfully addressed issues such as data protection, domestic research capacity and equitable AI development. While he did not provide detailed evidence in his remarks, his comments tapped into ongoing debates about India’s digital sovereignty and the balance between global collaboration and domestic innovation.
The BJP responded strongly to Gandhi’s statements, accusing him of attempting to undermine India’s technological achievements. Party spokespersons defended the summit as an important global platform that reflects India’s growing influence in the AI domain. They argued that large-scale international events inevitably face logistical challenges and that isolated incidents should not overshadow the broader objectives of the summit.
Government representatives have emphasised that the India AI Impact Summit aims to facilitate dialogue on ethical AI, inclusive digital growth and innovation-led development. The summit agenda includes discussions on AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, education and climate resilience, as well as sessions on regulatory frameworks and international cooperation. Officials have maintained that the event demonstrates India’s commitment to shaping global AI governance rather than merely following international trends.
The political exchange over the summit highlights the increasing intersection of technology policy and electoral politics in India. Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to academic or industry circles; it has become a strategic issue linked to economic growth, national security and global competitiveness. As a result, high-visibility technology events are subject to intense political scrutiny.
For the opposition, the controversy presents an opportunity to question the government’s narrative of technological leadership and to demand greater transparency in how public resources are deployed for such events. For the ruling party, defending the summit is part of a broader effort to project India as a confident and capable digital power on the world stage.
Beyond the immediate political fallout, the episode raises larger questions about how India manages the optics and substance of its global engagements. As the country seeks to position itself as a major voice in AI governance, ensuring credibility in execution will be as important as announcing ambitious initiatives. The debate triggered by Rahul Gandhi’s remarks underscores that technological ambition must be matched by organisational competence and clear communication.
As the summit continues, its long-term impact will likely be judged not by political exchanges but by tangible outcomes such as policy frameworks, research collaborations and industry partnerships. However, the current controversy illustrates how closely watched India’s technology initiatives have become — both domestically and internationally — in an era where artificial intelligence is shaping economic and geopolitical realities.
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Last Updated on: Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:57 am by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:57 am | News Categories: India