Indian Youth Congress members staged a shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit, targeting PM Modi; police detained protesters.
The protesters targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government, accusing them of compromising India’s identity through the organisation of the summit. (Photo: Social Media)
A high-profile global technology event in New Delhi briefly turned chaotic after a group claiming to be members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a dramatic protest inside the venue of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The incident unfolded at Bharat Mandapam, drawing swift action from security agencies.
The protesters targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government, accusing them of compromising India’s identity through the organisation of the summit.
According to police officials, around 10 individuals entered Hall No. 5 of the summit venue and began shouting slogans against the Prime Minister. As part of the demonstration, the protesters removed their shirts, creating a brief disturbance during ongoing sessions attended by policymakers, industry leaders, and international delegates.
सवाल पूछा जा रहा है कि आखिर क्यों युवा कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं को AI Summit के अंदर Compromised PM के खिलाफ आवाज़ उठाने की जरूरत पड़ी?
जिस देश का मीडिया, सिस्टम और खुद प्रधानमंत्री ही compromised हो चुके हों, उसके खिलाफ आवाज़ उठाने का मंच आखिर बचता ही कौन-सा है?
सड़कों पर… pic.twitter.com/lBMDw3ux7H— Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) February 20, 2026
Eyewitnesses said the group carried or wore white T-shirts printed with images of PM Modi and former US President Donald Trump. The shirts also displayed slogans such as “India US Trade Deal,” “Epstein Files,” and “PM is compromised.”
The sudden act led to heated exchanges with some attendees before security personnel stepped in.
In an official statement posted on X, the Indian Youth Congress said the protest was aimed at highlighting what it described as a national compromise.
“Indian Youth Congress workers raised their voice and protested against the compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit,”
The organisation said.
Party leaders claimed the removal of shirts symbolised dissent and protest against the Centre’s policies and international engagements linked to the summit.
Personnel from the Delhi Police quickly detained the protesters and escorted them out of the hall. A senior police officer said the group was taken to Tilak Marg police station.
“They were removed immediately and were taken to Tilak Marg police station. No one will be allowed to breach the law and order situation.”
The officer stated.
ANI sources indicated that legal proceedings are being initiated against those involved. Police confirmed that the summit continued without further disruption following the intervention.
Police officials said the individuals did not carry party flags or visible symbols identifying them as members of any political organisation. However, one of the detained protesters claimed affiliation with the Indian Youth Congress.
There was no immediate separate statement from the Youth Congress leadership beyond the social media post. Authorities said they are verifying the identities and affiliations of all those detained.
Following the incident, officials increased security across Bharat Mandapam. Additional police personnel were deployed, and access to certain areas of the complex was closely monitored to prevent further disturbances.
The protest occurred while sessions at the India AI Impact Summit were underway, with participation from Indian government officials, global technology experts, and international delegates.
Despite the brief disruption, organisers ensured that the summit’s schedule remained intact, and proceedings resumed normally soon after the protesters were removed.
