The AI Impact Summit in India drew global attention this week, not only for discussions on artificial intelligence investment and innovation but also for a controversy involving a Chinese-made robot dog displayed at the event.
An Indian professor initially suggested during a televised interview that the robotic device had been developed by her university. The claim was later denied by the institution, prompting criticism from opposition politicians and renewed scrutiny of India’s AI ambitions.
The five-day summit in New Delhi is being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by nearly 20 world leaders and dozens of international delegations, according to AFP.
Robot Dog Display Triggers Controversy
At a booth operated by the private Galgotias University, a silver robotic dog performed movements such as waving and standing on its hind legs. The device is a commercially available model manufactured by Chinese startup Unitree.
In a television interview from the exhibition floor, the professor introduced the robot, named “Orion,” and stated that it had been developed by centres of excellence at the university. She highlighted the institution’s investments in artificial intelligence and described the machine as adaptable and interactive.
The remarks quickly circulated online, leading to public criticism.
In a statement published on the social media platform X, Galgotias University clarified that it had not built the robot dog and had not claimed ownership of its development. The university described the device as “recently acquired” and said students were using it as a learning tool to test and experiment with robotics capabilities.
The TV journalist who conducted the interview, Tapas Bhattachary, urged viewers not to generalise from the incident. He said that if one exhibitor was not fully clear about their innovation, it should not overshadow the broader achievements of Indian youth in technology.
Political Reaction and Opposition Criticism
The controversy during the AI Impact Summit in India was quickly taken up by the opposition Congress party.
In a post on X, the party criticised the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that displaying a Chinese robot as an Indian innovation was “embarrassing” and had made India a “laughing stock globally” in the field of artificial intelligence.
The summit is part of India’s broader strategy to position itself as a major AI hub. According to AFP, the government expects up to $200 billion in AI investment over the next two years, alongside plans for large-scale data centres and additional power infrastructure.
For Iraq and other regional observers, India’s approach reflects a wider global competition over AI development, technological sovereignty, and control of critical supply chains.
Indian Startups Embrace AI Despite Job Concerns
Beyond the controversy, the summit also highlighted the rapid expansion of AI-driven startups across India.
Siddharth Soni, 23, co-founder of Idea Jewellery, presented AI-designed jewellery inspired by classical Indian styles. Using AI-generated blueprints and 3D-printed moulds, the company has reduced production time for some pieces from six or seven months to roughly one week, excluding hallmarking.
The startup builds on a long-standing family jewellery business in Hyderabad. While Soni’s father supports expanding AI-designed jewellery internationally, including into the United States market, concerns remain among traditional artisans.
Some workers fear that automation could threaten their livelihoods. Soni acknowledged that certain craftsmen feel “very uncomfortable” with the shift toward AI-assisted design, even though they continue producing the pieces as part of their income.
Other AI startups showcased at the summit include:
Xtreme Gen AI, which offers voice-based tools capable of handling business calls in multiple Indian languages.
• Soil Doctor, which provides AI-powered soil testing services to farms across 10 Indian states, aiming to improve fertiliser efficiency and crop yields.
According to company representatives, AI applications could reduce input costs for farmers and improve productivity over time.
E-Waste Recycling and Critical Minerals Strategy
Another key theme linked to India’s AI ambitions is securing access to critical minerals.
India generated nearly 1.5 million tonnes of electronic waste last year, according to official data cited by AFP. Experts believe the actual figure could be significantly higher.
Companies such as Exigo Recycling are extracting lithium, cobalt, nickel and other minerals from discarded batteries and electronic components. The recovered lithium, sometimes referred to in industry circles as “white gold,” is essential for electric vehicles, electronics and advanced technologies.
Industry estimates suggest that urban mining of e-waste in India could be worth up to $6 billion annually. However, much of the country’s electronic waste is still processed in informal workshops, where hazardous methods expose workers to toxic substances.
Government-backed reforms, including Extended Producer Responsibility rules and a $170 million programme to boost formal recycling, aim to shift more processing into regulated facilities.
According to analysts cited by AFP:
India remains fully dependent on imports for key critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt.
Formal recycling capacity is growing but still trails behind China and the European Union.
The integration of informal workers into traceable supply chains is seen as essential to reduce losses of valuable materials and improve safety standards.
Conclusion:
The AI Impact Summit in India showcased both ambition and challenges. While startups demonstrated innovative uses of artificial intelligence across sectors from jewellery to agriculture, the robot dog controversy underscored sensitivities around credibility and technological ownership.
As India seeks to position itself as a global AI leader, issues of transparency, supply chains, and workforce transition are likely to remain central to the debate.
