Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has found himself at the center of widespread criticism after posting a video on social media in which he showcased a banned Chinese drone. In the video, Gandhi called for India to develop a “strong production base” for drones, emphasizing the need for solid industrial foundations over mere "empty words." In his tweet, Gandhi expressed his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach, particularly criticizing the PM’s tendency to deliver “teleprompter speeches” about advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to Gandhi, India’s competitors are already mastering these technologies, while India, under Modi’s leadership, struggles to build the necessary industrial base to produce advanced technologies like drones.
However, Gandhi's video quickly became a subject of intense scrutiny. Smit Shah, the president of the Drone Federation India (DFI), wasted no time in criticizing the Congress leader for what he perceived as a dismissive attitude towards India's growing drone industry. Shah pointed out that Rahul Gandhi was proudly showcasing a Chinese DJI drone, which had been banned in India since 2022 due to security concerns. He accused Gandhi of undermining the local drone industry by showcasing a product from a company that has been blacklisted by the Indian government, calling it a contradiction to his stance on boosting indigenous production.
In response to Gandhi’s remarks, Shah rejected the claim that India had no viable drone industry. On the contrary, Shah argued that over 400 Indian companies are currently manufacturing various types of drones. Additionally, more than 50 companies in India are engaged in producing critical drone components, including batteries, propellers, flight controllers, and motors. Shah criticized Gandhi for making blanket statements about India’s drone industry without acknowledging the impressive strides that have already been made. He pointed out that while the drone industry is still in its early stages, significant progress has been achieved thanks to the collective efforts of industry players, academia, and policymakers. He emphasized that such criticism, especially when it offers no constructive feedback, is not only counterproductive but also fails to recognize the ongoing efforts of those working to improve India’s drone ecosystem.
Shah also released a video explaining why he believed Rahul Gandhi’s claims were off the mark, addressing key points about India’s drone manufacturing capabilities and the regulatory framework that has been established to encourage local production. In his tweet, Shah raised a series of pointed questions that further questioned Gandhi’s actions, particularly focusing on the legality and ethics of showcasing a banned drone. Since DJI drones are prohibited in India, Shah asked how Gandhi was able to acquire one. He also highlighted that, under India’s Drone Rules 2021, all drones must be registered on the DigitalSky platform and that operating a drone requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. Shah queried whether Gandhi possessed the necessary certification and whether he had obtained clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) or Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before flying the drone, given the likely restrictions in place around his residence and office.
The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s video didn’t stop with Shah’s comments. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai also chimed in, taking the opportunity to criticize Gandhi’s narrative and accusing him of attempting to undermine India’s progress. Pai suggested that Gandhi’s focus on criticizing the government without acknowledging the reality of India’s manufacturing sector was misleading. He questioned whether Gandhi was using a Chinese-made drone rather than an Indian-made one, highlighting India’s impressive manufacturing achievements in various sectors. Pai pointed out that India is now the fifth-largest industrial producer globally, the second-largest producer of steel, cement, and mobile phones, and the third-largest power producer in the world. Much of this progress has occurred over the past decade, and Pai urged Rahul Gandhi to stop spreading a negative narrative that undermines India’s achievements.
The criticism from these prominent figures reflects a growing concern about the need for constructive dialogue regarding India’s technological and industrial advancements, particularly in emerging sectors like drones. While Gandhi’s call for a stronger industrial foundation may resonate with some, the backlash over his use of a banned Chinese drone underscores the complexity of India's policy landscape and the challenges involved in fostering a robust domestic manufacturing sector in the face of global competition and security concerns. As the debate continues to unfold, it seems clear that the discourse surrounding India’s drone industry will remain a contentious issue, particularly as the government continues to push for indigenous innovation and self-reliance.
