Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 18: A major controversy erupted at the India AI Impact Summit after Galgotias University was accused of showcasing a Chinese-made robo-dog as its own indigenous innovation, triggering sharp criticism and political backlash.

The Noida-based institution faced intense scrutiny on social media, with critics alleging that the quadruped robot on display was not developed in-house. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the summit a “disorganised PR spectacle,” taking a swipe at the government’s technology push.

Following the controversy, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ordered the university to vacate its pavilion immediately. The electricity supply to the stall was disconnected, and the space was later converted into a resting area for visitors.

A university representative clarified that the institution had not claimed to have manufactured the robo-dog. “This has been procured, and this is what we, the students, would develop in collaboration with the centres of excellence,” the representative said.

Despite the clarification, MeitY issued a stern warning stating that exhibitors at the summit must only display their own original developments and not pass off procured products as indigenous innovations.

The episode has been seen as an embarrassment for the university amid India’s push for ‘Make in India’ technology and self-reliance in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics.