Rahul Gandhi Raises Tough Questions on AI Expo Controversy

February 18, 2026

New Delhi: Following the Robodog controversy, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government. He described the AI ​​Summit as a “disorganized PR spectacle,” saying that instead of properly utilizing India’s talent and data capabilities, Chinese products were showcased.

Rahul Gandhi wrote on X that the event became a publicity stunt rather than a showcase of India’s capabilities.

Congress Says – Damage to India’s Global Image

The Congress party called the entire incident “extremely shameful.” The party said that this incident has damaged India’s global reputation in the field of AI. The Congress alleged that due to the government’s negligence, India has become a laughingstock internationally.

Controversy sparked by Chinese robodog

The controversy began when Galgotias University in Noida presented a surveillance robot named ‘Orion’ at the AI ​​Summit. The professor described it as part of the university’s ₹350 crore AI initiative.

Later, claims were made on social media that the robot was actually a Chinese company’s Unitree Go2 model, which costs around ₹2.3 lakh in the market. The matter quickly escalated.

IT Minister also embroiled in controversy

Congress also targeted IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. The party said that the video shared by the minister presented the robodog as an Indian achievement, leading to confusion.

Controversy escalated due to a community note on X

The university issued a clarification stating that it had not claimed the robodog was its own invention. However, a community note on the social media platform X dismissed this claim as misleading, stating that it was presented as their own innovation during the presentation.

According to reports, the government asked the university to vacate the summit venue after the controversy escalated, although the university said it had not received any official notification in this regard.

Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle – Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased. https://t.co/5liaoX0XXp

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 18, 2026

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