New Delhi: The final day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 took an unexpected political turn after members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest inside the venue, drawing strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, had been focused on global AI collaboration and innovation before the controversy unfolded.

What Happened?

According to reports, a group of Youth Congress workers entered a section of the summit premises and began raising slogans against the central government. Some protesters reportedly removed their shirts to display slogans criticizing government policies, including concerns related to unemployment and international trade agreements.

Security personnel intervened quickly, and several individuals were detained. Delhi Police initiated legal action, citing security breaches and disruption of a high-profile international event.

BJP’s Strong Reaction

The BJP condemned the protest, calling it an attempt to embarrass India on a global platform. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked that for Congress, “AI means Anti-India,” accusing the opposition of politicizing an event meant to showcase India’s technological ambitions.

BJP leaders argued that the summit was a moment of global recognition for India’s growing role in artificial intelligence and that such protests undermined national interests.

Congress Defends the Protest

The Indian Youth Congress defended its actions, stating that the protest was aimed at highlighting youth unemployment and economic concerns. Party representatives described it as a democratic expression of dissent rather than an attack on the summit itself.

Bigger Picture

Despite the disruption, the summit continued with scheduled discussions on AI governance, innovation ecosystems, and international partnerships. However, the political clash overshadowed much of the technological discourse on the final day.