Rahul Gandhi Condemns AI Summit as 'Disorganised PR Spectacle'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp critique on Wednesday against the AI Impact Summit, labeling it a "disorganised PR spectacle." In a post on social media platform X, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha alleged that the event is facilitating the sale of Indian data while prominently featuring Chinese products.
Allegations of Data Exploitation and Chinese Showcasing
Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration, stating, "Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle - Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased." He emphasized that this approach undermines India's potential in the artificial intelligence sector, where the country could emerge as a global leader due to its vast data resources.
The Congress party echoed these sentiments in a separate post, accusing the Modi government of making India a "laughing stock globally" in the context of AI. The party highlighted an incident where Chinese robots were displayed as Indian innovations at the summit, leading to mockery from Chinese media. "This is truly embarrassing for India," the party stated, adding that Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's promotion of these robots further compounded the shame.
Controversy Over Robotic Dog Display
The criticism follows a controversy involving Galgotias University, which showcased a robotic dog named "Orion" at the AI Summit expo. However, the university faced immediate backlash as critics pointed out that the product was actually a Chinese-made Unitree Go2, not an in-house innovation. This revelation sparked widespread debate about the authenticity of displays at the event.
In response to the uproar, government sources reported by news agency PTI indicated that Galgotias University has been instructed to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately. This action underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the government's attempt to address the situation.
Broader Implications for India's AI Ambitions
The Congress party asserted that the Modi Government has caused "irreparable damage" to India's image by reducing AI to a "joke." They argued that given India's data power, the country has the potential to be a world leader in this field, but such incidents hinder progress and credibility.
This episode raises questions about the organization and integrity of high-profile tech summits in India, as stakeholders call for greater transparency and a focus on domestic innovation. The ongoing debate highlights the need for policies that protect Indian data and promote homegrown technologies in the competitive global AI landscape.
