Rahul Gandhi slams Government ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026, warns of ‘US Chokehold’ on India’s Data

In a scathing assessment of the government's approach to artificial intelligence and trade, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised alarms about India's digital future just days before the much-anticipated AI Impact Summit 2026. He cautioned that the nation could lose control over its most vital resource: data. In a pointed message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi remarked, "The AI revolution is upon us, presenting both challenges and opportunities." He accused the government of neglecting to protect India's digital landscape, suggesting that the thriving IT and services sector—often regarded as the backbone of the Indian economy—is facing significant threats. Framing the situation as both critical and transformative, Gandhi emphasized that without proactive measures, thousands of software engineers and tech professionals could find themselves out of work. He underscored the importance of data in driving the AI industry, stating, "Data is the petrol which fuels the AI engine." He believes that India's vast pool of talent and the immense data generated in the country could position it as a leader in the global AI arena. Additionally, Gandhi criticized the government’s dealings with the United States regarding a trade agreement. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising India's interests, asserting that the so-called measures to facilitate digital trade could hinder the country’s ability to utilize its data effectively. He highlighted the dominance of foreign tech companies over Indian data through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon, warning that the deal could jeopardize India's capacity to safeguard the information of its 1.5 billion citizens. Gandhi concluded by lamenting that the Prime Minister has been coerced into surrendering India's essential resource to foreign powers. As the government has not yet publicly responded to these allegations, all eyes will be on the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, which aims to discuss innovation, regulation, and India's position within the international AI framework, featuring prominent figures from the technology sector.