'Quite discomforting': Rahul Gandhi slammed for flying banned Chinese drone
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come under fire for using a baned Chinese drone to criticize the Indian government's drone policies. In a video, Gandhi questioned India's capabilities in drone technology, suggesting that the country lacks a robust industrial base for manufacturing drones. His remarks, however, have been met with backlash from industry experts who argue that his comments undermine India's growing drone sector.
Counterarguments
Industry experts refute Gandhi's claims
Smit Shah, president of the Drone Federation of India (DFI), slammed Gandhi for belittling India's advancement in drone technology. Shah noted that over 400 Indian companies and 40-50 component manufacturers are working in this space. He also expressed discomfort over Gandhi's use of a DJI drone, which has been banned in India since 2022, and asked if Gandhi had legal permissions to fly the drone in restricted zones.
Twitter Post
Gandhi flying a drone
Drones have revolutionised warfare, combining batteries, motors and optics to manoeuver and communicate on the battlefield in unprecedented ways. But drones are not just one technology - they are bottom-up innovations produced by a strong industrial system.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 15, 2025
Unfortunately, PM… pic.twitter.com/giEFLSJxxv
Criticism
Do the rules not apply to him, questions Shah
"How was this drone acquired? Drone Rules 2021 mandate all drones be registered on DigitalSky. Was this? Operating a drone requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. Did he have one? His residence & office is likely in red zone. Did he get clearance from MoCA/MHA before flying the drone? Shah questioned. "Do the rules not apply to him? Or does he just not care," he posted.
Claims refuted
Gandhi's video claims refuted by DFI chief
Gandhi's video also claimed that India doesn't produce a single component used in drones and lacks understanding of optics. However, refuting these claims, Shah said that over 50 companies manufacture essential drone components such as batteries and motors in India. He called for collective efforts from industry players, academia, and policymakers to further develop the sector.
Pai's criticism
Former Infosys CFO criticizes Gandhi's statements
Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai also slammed Gandhi's statements. Pai highlighted India's success as the fifth largest industrial manufacturing country and its tremendous growth in several sectors in the past decade. He said Gandhi was ignoring this progress with his remarks. Pai asked Gandhi to stop spreading what he called a "fake narrative" that belittles India's industrial accomplishments.