Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh strongly condemned the disruption caused at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, saying the incident damaged India’s image on a global stage. The international summit, held with participation from global tech leaders, startups, investors and policy experts, was aimed at showcasing India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, innovation and emerging technologies.
According to Lokesh, the protest by Youth Congress during the high-profile event turned a platform meant for showcasing India’s AI capabilities into a political spectacle. He said such actions undermine the country’s efforts to position itself as an emerging AI superpower and weaken the collective credibility India is building before the global technology community. The minister stressed that international forums are carefully watched by global investors and innovators, and any disruption at such events sends negative signals about the seriousness of India’s innovation ecosystem.
Lokesh urged political groups to act responsibly and avoid turning globally significant events into arenas for political confrontation. He said India is at a crucial stage where innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology-driven growth can create jobs, attract investments and strengthen the economy. He added that political differences should not come in the way of national progress and global reputation.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 focused on AI policy, startup innovation, future technologies, digital governance and India’s roadmap to becoming a global AI hub. Several industry leaders and international delegates participated in discussions on ethical AI, responsible innovation and the role of artificial intelligence in economic growth. The disruption at the event has triggered debate in political and tech circles about protecting global forums from political protests and ensuring a professional environment for international collaboration.
Lokesh concluded that India deserves better conduct on global platforms and called for unity in projecting the country as a serious, innovation-driven nation. He reiterated that nation-building through technology and excellence should remain above petty politics.