India AI Impact Summit 2026 Day 3: Galgotias University Expelled Over Robotic Dog Controversy
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, has entered its third day with significant developments, including the expulsion of Galgotias University from the AI Summit Expo. This event, the first major international AI summit in the Global South, brings together over 45 countries, global political leaders, technology giants, startups, and researchers to deliberate on artificial intelligence through themes of inclusion, responsibility, and measurable impact.
Controversy Erupts at AI Expo
Sources confirmed that Galgotias University has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately. This decision follows a controversy surrounding the university's display of a robotic dog labeled "Orion." Critics alleged that the robot was actually a Chinese-made Unitree Go2, not an in-house innovation, leading to online backlash and accusations of misrepresenting imported technology as indigenous.
The university faced severe criticism for this misrepresentation, prompting organizers to take swift action. Galgotias University issued a statement addressing the controversy, but the expulsion underscores the summit's emphasis on ethical practices and transparency in AI showcases.
Global Leaders Converge in New Delhi
The summit has attracted high-profile international participation, reinforcing India's ambition to shape global AI norms. Notable arrivals include Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, who arrived to strengthen India-Sweden ties across trade, economy, science, and innovation. Similarly, President of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon was warmly received by Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Singh, highlighting the ongoing India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.
Other prominent figures expected to attend include French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. A strong US delegation, alongside executives from Microsoft, IBM, Zoom, Kyndryl, and Adobe, signals expanding international collaboration in AI infrastructure and trusted technologies.
India's AI Mission and Domestic Focus
Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government has invested Rs 10,372 crore to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem. This includes onboarding more than 38,000 GPUs for shared compute access, developing 12 indigenous foundation models, and approving over 30 India-specific AI applications. Talent development is central, with thousands of students supported through targeted initiatives.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized India's focus on practical AI applications, such as improving enterprise productivity and solving population-scale challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and climate change. He noted the enthusiastic participation of about 2.5 lakh attendees, mostly under 30, at the AI Expo, reflecting optimism among young minds.
Key Themes and Expo Highlights
The summit's key themes revolve around bridging the AI adoption gap between the Global North and South, building trusted and sovereign tech stacks, promoting ethical governance, and ensuring AI augments livelihoods rather than displacing them. The AI Impact Expo, spanning over 70,000 square metres, showcases applications across agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services.
Through working groups and thematic sessions, the summit aims to produce actionable proposals, including shared compute frameworks and AI commons for public good. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed delegates, calling it a matter of immense pride that global leaders are converging in India to advance human-centric and equitable AI development.
Ongoing Developments and Future Prospects
As the summit progresses, bilateral engagements and policy discussions continue to shape the global AI landscape. Canada's Minister for AI and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, is participating to strengthen Canada-India AI partnerships. The event positions India as a bridge between innovation and equitable global impact, leveraging its digital public infrastructure and fast-growing startup ecosystem.
With more than 800 million internet users, India demonstrates that scale and inclusion can drive AI progress. The summit remains a pivotal platform for advancing discussions on artificial intelligence, with further updates expected on collaborations and technological breakthroughs.
