In a bold critique that’s dominating headlines, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has torched the India AI Impact Summit for featuring a Chinese robot dog masquerading as Indian ingenuity. Labeling it an ‘unruly PR spectacle,’ Gandhi’s viral X post has ignited a firestorm across political lines.
‘Our summits should harness India’s talent and data power, not devolve into chaos selling Indian data and flaunting Chinese gadgets,’ Gandhi wrote on X. The controversy traces back to a university’s exhibit at the summit, where the robot—clearly sourced from China—was presented without disclosure.
Congress amplified the issue earlier, decrying the government’s role in tarnishing India’s image. ‘The AI Summit under way is passing off Chinese robots as ours. Chinese media is ridiculing us—this is a national embarrassment,’ they posted. Fingers pointed directly at Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, accused of complicity in the promotion.
‘Worse still, ministers are part of this deceit, promoting Chinese robots at an Indian event,’ Congress added. They painted a grim picture: India, poised to lead AI via its data supremacy, reduced to ridicule. ‘Irreparable damage has been done to our global standing.’
AAP joined the chorus, slamming BJP’s governance as plagiarized and inept. ‘From day one, it’s copy-paste policies. Now, in Vaishnaw’s AI Summit, a university brings a Chinese robot dog, calls it their research. Indian innovation is being mocked worldwide.’
This multi-party backlash underscores tensions around technology sovereignty, data privacy, and event authenticity. As AI emerges as a geopolitical battleground, such missteps could cost India dearly in the global race. Stakeholders await official responses amid the uproar.