A group of workers from the Indian Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the India–US trade framework agreement.
According to police officials, around 10 protesters entered Hall No. 5 of the summit venue using QR-coded passes. Soon after entering, they removed their shirts and shouted slogans such as “PM is compromised” and “India-US Trade Deal.” Some of them were carrying white T-shirts printed with images of Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with political messages.
The protest created a brief commotion at the high-profile event, which was attended by top global technology leaders and policymakers.
Police Detain Protesters, Legal Action Likely
Delhi Police acted quickly and removed the protesters from the venue. They were taken to Tilak Marg police station for questioning. A senior police officer said, “No one will be allowed to breach law and order at such an important international event.” Officials added that strict legal action would be taken against those involved, and an FIR is likely to be registered.
Security was tight at the summit due to the presence of international delegates and business leaders.
BJP Slams Protest As ‘National Shame’
The protest drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party spokesperson Nalin Kohli said the Congress was jealous of India’s growth in technology. “For the Congress, AI means anti-India,” he remarked, attacking the opposition party.
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BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also criticised the demonstration, calling it a “national shame.” In a statement, he said, “At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit and showcasing its innovation, the Congress chose disruption over dignity. This act was clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage.”
Youth Congress Defends Action
However, Uday Bhanu Chib, national president of the Indian Youth Congress, defended the protest. He said the anger was not limited to his organisation.
“This anger isn’t just from Youth Congress members. It is from every young person who is unemployed today,” Chib said. “This trade deal with the US will harm our farmers and ordinary people. Only America will benefit. In a democracy, we have the right to raise our voice through peaceful protest.”
Trade Deal Sparks Political Row
The controversy comes amid debate over the new India–US trade framework. Under the agreement, India will reduce or eliminate tariffs on several American industrial and agricultural products. In return, the US will apply a reciprocal tariff of 18 percent on certain Indian goods in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, chemicals and machinery.
The Congress party has claimed that India did not receive fair benefits from the deal, while the government has defended it as a step toward strengthening economic ties with the United States.
“This deal is a betrayal of all that India stands for, and all that India stood for over the last 75 years. This is not a deal that is in our interest. This is a total surrender by none other than Narender,” Congress leader Pawan Khera said on 7 February, taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sam Altman Calls For Global AI Regulation
Despite the political controversy, the summit focused on the future of artificial intelligence and regulation. Among the key speakers was Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
Altman said the world needs strong safeguards to manage the rapid growth of AI. “Democratisation of AI is the best way to ensure humanity flourishes,” he said. He also suggested creating a global body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency to coordinate international efforts on AI regulation.
