AIImpactSummit – Rajnath Singh Slams Youth Congress Protest
AIImpactSummit – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sharply criticised the disruption caused by members of the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, describing the protest as an effort to undermine the country’s standing at a moment when it was showcasing its technological progress to the world.
Minister Condemns Disruption at International Event
Taking to social media platform X on Friday, Singh said the incident was regrettable and inappropriate, particularly as India was hosting an international gathering focused on artificial intelligence and digital innovation. He argued that instead of supporting the nation’s efforts to demonstrate leadership in emerging technologies, the Congress party chose to create unrest at the venue.
Singh called the actions of the Youth Congress workers “shameful,” stating that their behaviour risked damaging India’s image on the global stage. According to him, such conduct sends the wrong message when the country is striving to present itself as a serious and capable player in the field of artificial intelligence.
Allegations of Political Priorities Over National Interest
The Defence Minister further accused the Congress of placing political considerations above national pride. He claimed that whenever India makes strides internationally, the opposition party seeks to derive political advantage rather than supporting initiatives that enhance the country’s reputation.
Singh said citizens are capable of judging who works toward strengthening the nation and who engages in activities that, in his view, weaken its credibility. His remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the ruling government and opposition leaders over economic and policy issues.
Protest Inside Bharat Mandapam
The protest unfolded earlier in the day at Bharat Mandapam, the venue hosting the AI Impact Summit. Several members of the Indian Youth Congress reportedly removed their shirts and raised slogans targeting the Prime Minister. Their demands centred on concerns such as unemployment, rising prices, and the India–US trade agreement.
Security personnel at the venue responded swiftly. The protesters were escorted out and later detained to prevent further disruption of the event proceedings. The summit was attended by policymakers, industry leaders and international delegates, making it one of the high-profile gatherings focused on India’s expanding role in the digital economy.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
According to police officials, those detained were taken to Tilak Marg police station. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against them for allegedly disturbing a major international conference. Officials stated that maintaining order at such global forums is essential, given the presence of foreign representatives and senior government figures.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the summit’s schedule continued with minimal interruption following the removal of the protesters.
Broader Political Reactions
Several Union Ministers also criticised the demonstration, describing it as disruptive and poorly timed. They noted that India was hosting technology experts and delegates from across the world, and said that such incidents could distract from discussions on innovation, regulation and international collaboration in artificial intelligence.
The AI Impact Summit is intended to deepen global cooperation on AI governance, ethical frameworks and technological development. It also aims to highlight India’s ambition to position itself as a central contributor to the evolving digital landscape. Government representatives have repeatedly underscored the country’s investments in AI research, digital infrastructure and startup ecosystems as evidence of this ambition.
As political reactions continue, the episode has once again brought into focus the sharp divisions between the ruling establishment and the opposition, particularly during events of international significance.