The 'India AI Impact Summit 2026', currently underway at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, has become a focal point of political discourse. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has come out in support of the global event, describing the initial days as highly impressive, while tharoor's positive assessment stands in stark contrast to the views of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who criticized the management of the summit. The event, aimed at showcasing India's AI prowess, recently faced scrutiny due to a controversy involving Galgotias University, which led to the institution's removal from the expo.
Shashi Tharoor’s Perspective on AI Integration
Speaking at a book launch event in Delhi, Shashi Tharoor shared his observations on the ongoing AI Summit. He emphasized that the presence of global leaders, including Presidents and Prime Ministers, sends a powerful message about the collective desire to build an integrated world driven by AI development. Addressing the recent controversies regarding technical glitches, Tharoor stated that such issues are common in large-scale international events and shouldn't overshadow the broader objectives of the summit. He noted that India's engagement in this sector has clearly led the drive toward prioritizing societal impact in technological advancement.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism and PR Allegations
In contrast to Tharoor's supportive stance, Rahul Gandhi took a critical view of the summit. He argued that instead of effectively utilizing India's vast talent pool and data resources, the government has turned the AI Summit into a 'disorganized PR spectacle'. The Congress party further alleged that the event has caused embarrassment to the nation on an international stage. According to party statements, the misrepresentation of foreign technology as indigenous has invited ridicule from international media, which they claim has damaged India's global reputation in the technology sector.
The Galgotias University Controversy and Expo Action
The controversy erupted when staff members at the Galgotias University pavilion reportedly presented a Chinese robotic dog and a Korean drone as their own student-led projects. After videos of the presentation went viral on social media, the organizers of the India AI Impact Summit took immediate action. The university was expelled from the expo, and its pavilion was cordoned off after the power supply was disconnected. The Congress party criticized the government for allowing such lapses, specifically questioning the oversight of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his visit to the stalls.
University’s Clarification on Technology Usage
Following the backlash, Galgotias University issued a clarification regarding the robotic dog. The university administration stated that they never claimed to have manufactured the robot. According to their statement, the robotic dog was brought to the campus as a 'mobile classroom' to provide students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge global technology. The university maintained that its goal is to expose students to advanced engineering so they can eventually design and build similar technologies in India. They emphasized that innovation requires studying existing world-class solutions to improve upon them.
Statements on Defense Cooperation and Cinematic Content
During his interaction, Shashi Tharoor also touched upon India's defense strategy and the film industry. Regarding the Rafale deal, he noted that manufacturing parts of the aircraft in India is a crucial aspect of strengthening national defense. He described India's military posture as 'defensive defense', stating that the country seeks strength not to initiate conflict, but to deter others from perceiving it as weak. On top of that, commenting on the upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2', Tharoor reiterated his stance against content that he believes promotes misinformation, suggesting that isolated incidents shouldn't be magnified into national narratives.
Scope and Objectives of India AI Impact Summit 2026
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 February 2026, the India AI Impact Summit is one of the largest technology gatherings globally. Scheduled to conclude on 20 February, the event features participation from numerous international AI firms and startups. The summit focuses on the transformative potential of AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. The 'India AI Impact Expo 2026', held alongside the summit, allows the public to witness real-world AI applications, aiming to position India as a central hub for future technological innovation.