New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the Centre over the ongoing AI Impact Summit in the national capital, calling it a “disorganised PR spectacle.” In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that Indian data was being “put up for sale” while Chinese products were being showcased at the event.
His remarks came amid a political storm over claims that foreign-made technology was being presented as Indian innovation. The controversy has triggered sharp exchanges between the ruling government and the opposition, casting a shadow over the high-profile summit aimed at projecting India’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘PR Spectacle’ at AI Summit
In his social media post, Rahul Gandhi said the government had failed to leverage India’s talent and data strength. Instead, he alleged, the summit had turned into a publicity exercise.
The Modi government has made a laughing stock of India globally, with regard to AI.
In the ongoing AI summit, Chinese robots are being displayed as our own. The Chinese media has mocked us. This is truly embarrassing for India.
What is even more shameful is the fact that… pic.twitter.com/xaRwm7j9Wv
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 18, 2026
He also shared a statement by the Congress party, which accused the Narendra Modi-led government of making India a “laughing stock globally” in the field of artificial intelligence. The party claimed that Chinese robots were being displayed as Indian products and alleged that Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was promoting them at the summit.
Robotic Dog row sparks controversy
The controversy intensified after Galgotias University showcased a robotic dog named “Orion” at the expo. Critics on social media claimed the device resembled the Chinese-made Unitree Go2 and questioned whether it was an original innovation.
Following the backlash, government sources told PTI that the university was asked to vacate its stall at the expo. The development further fueled opposition criticism about the authenticity of exhibits at the summit.
University clarifies, Minister apologises for crowd issues
In a clarification issued on Tuesday, Galgotias University said it never claimed to have built the robotic dog. The institution stated that the device was procured from a Chinese manufacturer for academic and demonstration purposes.
Separately, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw apologised for the inconvenience faced by attendees due to long queues and heavy crowds on the opening day. He said a “war room” had been set up to address concerns and assured participants that feedback would be taken seriously to improve the event experience.