Workers of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a shirtless protest inside Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 20 February in New Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre over alleged unemployment, inflation and concerns linked to economic and trade policies.
Around ten protesters were detained after briefly disrupting a session at the high-profile global technology gathering. Delhi Police said the situation was quickly brought under control and legal action would follow. The BJP condemned the act as irresponsible and damaging to India’s image, while IYC leaders defended it as a symbolic expression of anger among jobless youth. The summit continues under heightened security.
Security Breach At Global Tech Forum Sparks Political Reactions
The protest unfolded inside one of the main halls of the convention complex, where policymakers, industry leaders, start-up founders and international delegates had assembled to discuss artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and India’s growing role in emerging technologies.
According to officials, a small group of IYC workers entered the venue using entry passes before removing their shirts and raising slogans critical of the Prime Minister and the Union government. Some protesters reportedly held up T-shirts bearing political imagery as they voiced their dissent.
Security personnel intervened within minutes, escorting the group out of the hall to prevent further disruption. A senior officer from Delhi Police stated that the protesters were taken to Tilak Marg police station and that “necessary legal action will be taken in accordance with the law”. The officer added that there was no injury to delegates or damage to property, and that additional screening measures had been put in place to avoid similar incidents for the remainder of the summit.
IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib defended the demonstration, describing it as a reflection of “the frustration and anger of unemployed youth”. He said the protest was meant to draw attention to what the organisation calls a growing jobs crisis and the rising cost of living, arguing that technological summits should not distract from “ground realities” faced by ordinary citizens.
The BJP, meanwhile, reacted sharply. Party leaders including Amit Malviya and Pradeep Bhandari criticised the move on social media, calling it inappropriate during an international event and alleging that it was designed to embarrass the country before foreign delegates.
Economic Concerns And Political Undercurrents
The incident comes amid ongoing political debate around employment data, inflation and India’s broader economic direction. Opposition parties have repeatedly questioned the government’s claims on job creation and economic stability, pointing to survey findings and reports highlighting underemployment and price pressures in essential commodities. The ruling party, on the other hand, has maintained that structural reforms, infrastructure expansion and a strong focus on digital transformation are generating long-term growth and new opportunities.
The AI Impact Summit itself has been positioned as a platform to showcase India’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Over the past week, discussions have centred on AI governance, ethical innovation, public-private partnerships and skill development for a technology-driven future. Government representatives have emphasised that India’s demographic dividend, combined with digital infrastructure initiatives, could create millions of new roles in data science, automation, research and allied sectors.
However, critics argue that the benefits of technological growth must translate into tangible employment across sectors, including manufacturing and small enterprises. The Youth Congress has framed its protest as a symbolic act, stating that removing their shirts represented the “stripping away of opportunities” from young Indians.
BJP leaders countered that such theatrics undermine serious policy discussions and detract from the positive image India seeks to project globally. Political analysts note that high-visibility forums often become stages for symbolic dissent, especially when economic concerns dominate public discourse.
Following the protest, organisers confirmed that summit sessions would proceed as scheduled. Delegates reportedly resumed discussions shortly after the interruption, with speakers reiterating the importance of stability and collaborative dialogue in advancing innovation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s democracy is built on the fundamental right to protest, question and hold power accountable. Dissent, when expressed peacefully, plays a vital role in shaping policy and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. At the same time, the choice of venue and method carries weight.
A global technology summit is both a symbol of national aspiration and a gathering meant to foster collaboration across borders. When protest and policy intersect in such spaces, the message can either amplify concerns or overshadow them.
