AI Summit Controversy: Chinese Robots Displayed as Indian Innovation Sparks Global Embarrassment
A significant controversy has erupted at the ongoing India AI Summit, casting a shadow over the nation's technological ambitions. The event, intended to showcase domestic artificial intelligence capabilities, has instead become a source of international embarrassment after Chinese robots were allegedly presented as Indian innovations.
Congress and MP Accuse Government of Global Humiliation
The Indian National Congress party launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, claiming it has "made a laughing stock of India globally" regarding AI development. In a social media post dated February 18, 2026, the opposition party highlighted that Chinese media outlets have openly mocked India following revelations about the origin of robots displayed at the summit.
"This is truly embarrassing for India," stated the Congress party, emphasizing the damage to the country's reputation on the international stage. The controversy centers on allegations that robots manufactured in China were being promoted as indigenous technological achievements.
Galgotias University and DD News Face Allegations
According to detailed allegations from Saket Gokhale, a Member of Parliament, Galgotias University—a private educational institution—attempted to pass off a Go2 Chinese robot as their own invention during the India AI Summit. The MP's social media post from February 18, 2026, claims the university presented the Chinese-made robot as a domestic innovation.
"But here's the real shameful part," Gokhale asserted, "Govt-run DD News did an entire feature promoting them." The parliamentarian accused the national broadcaster of running an extensive promotional segment about the allegedly misrepresented robot, further complicating the controversy.
Political Implications and Media Allegations
The MP's statement included a direct political accusation: "Today, DD News & BJP are the same." This suggests a perceived alignment between the national broadcaster and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, raising questions about media independence and government influence in technological promotion.
Gokhale elaborated that the channel "runs as a..." implying it operates with particular biases or agendas. While the complete statement was truncated in the original post, the implication clearly points toward concerns about state media's role in the controversy.
Broader Implications for India's AI Ambitions
This incident raises serious questions about:
- The verification processes for technological displays at national summits
- The role of educational institutions in authentic innovation representation
- Government media's responsibility in fact-checking promotional content
- India's international reputation in the competitive global AI landscape
The timing is particularly sensitive as nations worldwide are racing to establish leadership in artificial intelligence. Such controversies could potentially undermine investor confidence and international partnerships in India's technology sector.
As the story develops, stakeholders await official responses from the involved parties—Galgotias University, DD News, and government representatives—regarding the specific allegations about robot origins and promotional practices at the India AI Summit.
