A political controversy has emerged around the ongoing AI Summit in New Delhi after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the event and alleged that Chinese products were showcased during the exhibition. In a post shared on X, Gandhi described the summit as a disorganised public relations spectacle and questioned the focus on indigenous innovation and data protection.
According to Gandhi’s statement, instead of leveraging India’s technological talent and safeguarding domestic data, the event appeared to promote foreign products. His remarks followed reports that a robotic dog displayed at the expo by Galgotias University under the name Orion resembled the Chinese manufactured Unitree Go2. Critics alleged that the product was not an in house development but a commercially available robotic device produced in China.
The Bharatiya Janata Party responded to Gandhi’s comments, rejecting the allegations and defending the summit as an important platform to promote artificial intelligence development and collaboration. BJP representatives stated that the event brought together industry leaders, academic institutions and technology innovators to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence and its applications across sectors.
Galgotias University subsequently issued a statement clarifying that the robotic programme presented at the summit was part of an academic demonstration and denied any intent to misrepresent the origin of the device. The university said the objective was to showcase research initiatives and student engagement with emerging technologies. It also emphasised its commitment to innovation and transparency.
The AI Summit has been positioned as a major national platform to highlight India’s progress in artificial intelligence, data science and emerging technologies. The event features exhibitions, panel discussions and participation from government bodies, private companies and educational institutions. Organisers have described it as an opportunity to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem and promote investment in advanced technology sectors.
The controversy has sparked broader discussion about data protection, intellectual property and the importance of encouraging domestic innovation. Industry experts note that while international collaboration is common in technology development, clarity about product origin and development is essential in public exhibitions, particularly when national innovation is being promoted.
Political observers view the exchange as part of a larger debate over technology policy and economic strategy. Artificial intelligence has become a key area of focus for governments worldwide, with discussions often centring on data security, digital sovereignty and competitiveness. In India, the sector is seen as central to future economic growth and global positioning.
As the debate continues, no official inquiry into the exhibition has been announced. Organisers of the summit have maintained that the event remains focused on promoting technological dialogue and innovation. The matter has, however, underscored the sensitivity surrounding technology showcases and the need for transparency in representation.
Further developments are expected as stakeholders respond to the allegations and clarifications surrounding the summit exhibition.
