India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has said that the country is not a major player in artificial intelligence (AI) and claimed that India “does not produce anything” in the field of advanced technology. He also accused the government of handing over critical national data to the United States through a recent India–US trade agreement.
According to media reports, Gandhi made the remarks during an interaction with students at Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous) in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Thursday.
During the discussion, the Congress leader alleged that India’s higher education system is facing an ideological assault, claiming that certain vice-chancellors were appointed because of their links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He argued that the country’s education system should not be limited by what he described as the organization’s divisive outlook.
Gandhi also indirectly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has previously expressed ambitions to make India a global leader in AI and emerging technologies. According to Gandhi, the AI race is currently dominated by two major powers—the United States and China.
“Unfortunately, India is not a big player in robotics, AI, or advanced technology, especially when compared with the US or China,” he said. Gandhi also claimed that at an AI summit, a Chinese robot was presented as an Indian one, highlighting what he described as the country’s lack of technological independence.
He stressed that control over national data is crucial for any country seeking leadership in AI. Gandhi argued that the recent agreement with the United States could result in India’s data effectively coming under American control, which he warned could harm the country’s long-term technological prospects.
The opposition leader further cautioned that the rapid expansion of AI could threaten service and software-sector jobs, which have long been a key pillar of India’s economy.
Gandhi also criticized major Indian conglomerates such as Ambani and Adani, claiming that India has failed to develop strong domestic production capabilities and is largely engaged in selling Chinese-made products in the Indian market.
His comments come amid growing global debate over the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, data sovereignty, and economic competitiveness.
Source: India Today.