Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said the recently held global AI summit in New Delhi underscored India’s rising stature in the world of Artificial Intelligence, with international leaders openly acknowledging the country’s technological progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
World Leaders Applaud India’s AI Push
Addressing the media, Rijiju said the summit brought together heads of state, heads of government, and prominent global figures who praised India’s policies and initiatives in emerging technologies. He said during the press conference that the international response reflected growing confidence in India’s vision to play a central role in shaping the global AI ecosystem.
“Heads of state, heads of government and leading global personalities commended India’s initiatives in AI and its efforts to position the country as a unifying force in the global technology landscape. It was a proud moment for the nation,” the Minister said, adding that India aims to bring countries together through collaboration in advanced technologies.
Celebrations Disrupted by Alleged Youth Congress Incident
However, Rijiju said the positive momentum of the summit was disrupted by what he described as unacceptable conduct by some Indian Youth Congress workers, who allegedly entered the venue and engaged in “obscene behaviour.”
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said, “At a time when the global community was praising India’s leadership in AI, Congress workers indulged in such acts. Everyone has seen the photographs. No matter how much it is condemned, it is still less.”
‘Crime Against the Nation,’ Says Minister
Calling the incident a serious affront to India’s global image, Rijiju said during the press conference that such actions amount to a “very big crime against the nation.” He expressed disappointment that instead of apologising, some Congress leaders attempted to defend the protest by portraying it as an outburst of youth anger.
“If the anger of youth is used to defame the country, nothing can be more shameful than this,” he said, stressing that national interest must take precedence over political rivalry.
Global Representation Must Rise Above Politics
The Minister maintained that events where India hosts global leaders and represents itself on an international platform should remain insulated from partisan politics. He said such moments are about the country’s credibility and leadership on the world stage, not domestic political scoring.
