Addressing a massive public gathering in Meerut, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stern rebuke to the Congress party regarding a recent incident at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. " According to the Prime Minister, such actions at a high-profile international venue undermine the nation's standing and reflect a lack of political decorum within the country's oldest political organization.
Gratitude Towards Opposition Parties for National Consensus
In a notable diplomatic gesture during his speech, PM Modi expressed his gratitude towards several opposition parties, including members of the INDIA bloc and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He highlighted that parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, and BSP showed the integrity to publicly condemn the Youth Congress's actions, while the Prime Minister noted that these parties recognized the protest as an "insult to the nation" rather than a legitimate form of political dissent. He thanked them for prioritizing national prestige over alliance politics in this specific instance.
Impact on India's Global Reputation
The Prime Minister emphasized that the India-AI Impact Summit was a landmark event, showcasing India's leadership in the field of Artificial Intelligence to the global community. He asserted that no other developing nation had hosted an event of such magnitude. " He argued that while political differences are natural, displaying them in front of international delegates at a non-partisan national event is detrimental to India's global image.
Comparison with Cultural Traditions and Political Ethics
Drawing a parallel with Indian social customs, PM Modi remarked that just as villagers cooperate during a wedding to ensure guests carry back a positive impression of the household, political parties should safeguard the country's reputation during international summits. He lamented that the Congress party seemed focused on defaming the country on its own soil. The Prime Minister further stated that while he's frequently the target of personal attacks and hostile rhetoric from the opposition, disrupting a national technological summit crosses an ethical line that should be respected by all stakeholders.
Context of the India-AI Impact Summit Protest
The controversy stems from a demonstration at Bharat Mandapam where Youth Congress members protested against issues such as unemployment, inflation, and a purported India-US trade deal. The nature of the protest, involving shirtless demonstrators, drew immediate flak from various political quarters. PM Modi clarified in his Meerut address that the AI Summit was a culmination of the nation's hard work and technological prowess, not a political event for the BJP. He concluded that the widespread criticism of the protest, even from within the opposition ranks, serves as a testament to the inappropriateness of the Congress party's tactics.