New Delhi: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 witnessed high-voltage drama on Friday after members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a disruptive protest against the proposed India–US trade framework, triggering a political face-off.
According to reports, a group of protesters entered the summit venue, removed their shirts and T-shirts, and raised slogans opposing the trade agreement. Security personnel quickly intervened and removed them from the premises. Sources said around 10 protesters were detained following the incident.
The protest briefly disrupted proceedings at the high-profile event, which has drawn leading voices from the global technology and policy ecosystem.
AI Summit के चमकदार मंच के पीछे सच दबाया नहीं जा सकता.. जब देशहित से ऊपर कॉरपोरेट हित दिखें और विदेश नीति में नरमी साफ नजर आए, तब विरोध कर्तव्य बन जाता है!
इसीलिए भारतीय युवा कांग्रेस के जाबांज कार्यकर्ता📍भारत मंडपम पहुँचे.. ताकि “Compromised PM” के खिलाफ आवाज़ बुलंद हो और देश… pic.twitter.com/vTCCMgd0PK
— Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) February 20, 2026
Centre Slams Congress
The demonstration drew a sharp reaction from Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, who accused the Congress of trying to embarrass India on an international platform.
In a strongly worded post on X, Yadav described the protest as “absolute shamelessness,” alleging that the opposition was attempting to damage India’s global image at a time when the country is positioning itself as a major technology powerhouse.
Absolute shamelessness from Congress!
At a time Bharat is taking strides positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, Congress is going all out to embarrass the country.
This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India’s global image.… pic.twitter.com/qxv0KCpkE1
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) February 20, 2026
Trade Deal Sparks Concern
The protest comes amid rising concerns among sections of the opposition and farmer groups over the emerging India–US trade framework. Critics fear that greater entry of cheaper American products into the Indian market could hurt domestic farmers and small producers.
Farmer organisations have urged the government to safeguard local interests while negotiating market access and tariff concessions.
Fresh Push to Bilateral Ties
The controversy follows the recent finalisation of a framework for an interim India–US trade deal after nearly a year of negotiations. The development is being seen as part of a broader effort to deepen economic and technology cooperation between the two countries.
Under the revised tariff structure announced by Washington, duties on Indian goods have reportedly been reduced significantly—from about 50 percent to 18 percent—offering a potential boost to Indian exporters.
Political Heat Builds
With the government projecting the deal as a step forward for India’s global economic ambitions and the opposition raising red flags over its domestic impact, the issue is poised to remain politically charged in the coming weeks.
While the world watches India flex its AI muscle at the global Summit showcasing innovation, leadership, and Viksit Bharat vibes Rahul Gandhi’s brain trust decides the perfect flex is sending shirtless Youth Congress goons to strip, scream ‘compromised PM’, and turn Bharat… pic.twitter.com/qLnqye2jlP
— Mandar (@OyeMandar) February 20, 2026
