About ten members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a bold protest inside Hall No. 5 at the Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. They raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking aim at a proposed trade deal with the US.
These protesters, who reportedly entered with valid QR-coded passes, were quickly detained by Delhi Police and taken for questioning. The police suggested that the protest may have been influenced by similar movements abroad and sought custody of four main participants on serious charges, including criminal conspiracy.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the protest, calling it a tactic to damage India’s image during an important international gathering. Youth Congress leaders, however, characterized it as a legitimate expression of frustration due to unemployment and government policies. The summit, attended by tech leaders and CEOs, was only momentarily disrupted before proceedings continued.
Security Breach and Legal Action
According to police sources, the protesters managed to bypass security using standard registration procedures. Once inside, they removed their outer layers to reveal T-shirts with political messages, chanting slogans like “PM is compromised.” Their demonstration, lasting just a few minutes, caught delegates off guard and prompted a swift response from security officers.
Delhi Police stated that they would not tolerate breaches of public order. Four individuals were detained and later appeared in court, where police emphasized that their actions seemed planned, possibly drawing inspiration from recent youth-led protests in Nepal. Officials alleged that the group engaged in a scuffle with security while being removed, leading to serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The India AI Impact Summit, running from February 16 to 20, featured prominent figures, including PM Modi, who had framed the event as a showcase for India’s advancements in artificial intelligence and technology. The timing of the protest heightened tensions, especially given the presence of international attendees.
Political Reactions and Polarization
The protest quickly ignited strong political reactions. Uday Bhanu Chib, president of the Indian Youth Congress, defended the act, stressing it reflected the anger of unemployed youth and cautioning that the US trade deal could endanger local farmers and small businesses. In his view, peaceful protest is a constitutional right and essential in a democracy.
Conversely, BJP leaders labeled the act a “national shame,” arguing it tarnished India’s reputation during a crucial summit. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the protest as inappropriate, emphasizing the need for decorum at a technology-focused event. Several other BJP ministers echoed these sentiments, asserting that the incident disrespected the nation and its dignitaries.
Simultaneously, BJP supporters demonstrated outside Rahul Gandhi’s home, alleging that Congress leaders orchestrated the protest—an accusation Congress denied. The situation escalated into a deeper debate about dissent, patriotism, and political responsibility across social media.
Attendees had mixed reactions. Some considered the disruption an embarrassment and unnecessary distraction, while others noted that protests are often a part of democratic engagement. A student from Ludhiana remarked that although the registration process was rigorous, security acted quickly to resolve the situation.
The Bigger Picture
Dissenting voices can strengthen democracies. Young citizens advocating for employment and better economic policies is neither unusual nor illegitimate. However, the nature and context of a protest can significantly affect its reception. When dissent arises in a global arena meant to showcase national achievements, it risks overshadowing serious discussions with a focus on spectacle.
The core issue is how India can cultivate an environment where criticism can be expressed constructively. A balanced approach allows for protests while ensuring they don’t equate dissent with disloyalty. Political entities also need to consider the broader implications of their actions, especially when representing the nation on the world stage.
In a broader context, this incident reflects ongoing tensions within India’s political landscape, where dissent is more pronounced than ever. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, about 66% of Indian youths express dissatisfaction with current employment opportunities, highlighting the urgency behind these protests.
For more insights on the significance of civic engagement, check out this report from Pew Research.
