According to Delhi Police, the protest occurred around 12:30 pm near Hall 5 after participants who had registered online passed QR-code verification. Officials said the group concealed protest material under sweaters and jackets, removing them inside the venue to display T-shirts bearing images of Modi and Donald Trump alongside the slogan “PM is compromised.” Videos of the incident circulated widely on X.

Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla confirmed that four individuals were detained and others are being identified. He said authorities are examining whether security protocols were bypassed or misused. Entry to the summit requires prior approval, digital passes, and screening due to the presence of international delegates.

The youth wing defended its action, stating the demonstration aimed to highlight concerns that corporate and foreign policy priorities were overshadowing national interests. In a social media statement, it said dissent could not be “hidden behind a glossy summit platform.”

The protest drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the opposition of undermining India’s global image and alleged the demonstration was politically orchestrated at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. Opposition leaders did not immediately respond to that claim.

The summit, inaugurated earlier this week, has attracted delegates from more than 100 countries, including heads of state, ministers, and technology executives. Organisers extended the event by one day due to high participation. The gathering focuses on artificial intelligence applications in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, and is structured around three themes — people-centric technology, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Security experts say the breach, though brief, raises questions about screening procedures at globally attended events. Officials indicated that additional safeguards may be implemented for the remaining sessions. Political analysts note that the incident reflects intensifying campaign-style confrontations as national debates increasingly spill into international forums hosted in India.