Piyush Goyal Criticizes Rahul Gandhi's Actions at AI Summit Amid Protests

Central Minister Piyush Goyal has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi's actions during the AI Summit, accusing him of undermining India's image on the global stage. This comes in the wake of protests by the Indian Youth Congress, who expressed their dissent against Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Goyal's remarks highlight concerns over national interests and the implications of Gandhi's recent U.S. visit. The situation raises questions about transparency and accountability in political dealings, especially regarding foreign interactions. Read on to discover more about the unfolding political drama and its impact on India's image.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 12:37 IST

Central Minister's Strong Remarks

On Wednesday, Central Minister Piyush Goyal expressed strong disapproval of the protests by the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Summit. He accused the opposition of attempting to tarnish India's image on a global platform by making allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal took to social media to utilize the hashtag 'Compromising Congress' and accused Rahul Gandhi of perpetuating a family legacy that undermines national interests. He referenced decisions made during previous Congress administrations, including India's stance on a permanent seat at the United Nations during Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure, the Bofors scandal during Rajiv Gandhi's time, and the Kachchh agreement under Indira Gandhi.

Concerns Over Rahul Gandhi's Actions

Goyal remarked on 'X' that Rahul Gandhi's actions, such as sending shirtless men to the AI Summit, reflect a continuation of his family's legacy that compromises India's image and interests. Additionally, Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized Gandhi's visit to the U.S. in 2024, raising concerns about meetings with individuals allegedly linked to the Indian American Muslim Council and networks funded by George Soros. Joshi claimed that Qatar reportedly played a supportive role in some of these meetings.

Call for Transparency

Joshi emphasized the need for clarity when foreign meetings blur the lines between dialogue and questionable networking. He stressed that transparency and accountability are crucial in matters related to national interests. He pointed out that while Gandhi's U.S. trip was framed as a discussion on democracy, the reality raises serious questions about intentions and coordination, especially with the alleged involvement of Qatar as a mediator. Citizens have the right to question whether these interactions are diplomatic or something more concerning.

Youth Congress Protests

Last week, members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a 'shirtless' protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam. They criticized the AI Impact Summit, accusing the Prime Minister of 'compromising' national identity. During the demonstration, party activists removed their shirts to express dissent. The Indian Youth Congress stated that their members were protesting against a Prime Minister who has allegedly traded the country's identity at the AI Summit. Subsequently, police detained the protesters.