India, Feb. 26 -- Even as the world begins to acknowledge India's rise as an economic, digital, and diplomatic power, sections of its own political class seem gripped by an impulse to self-flagellate - a compulsive urge to diminish, discredit, and deconstruct national achievements before a global audience. Political frustration and hate are now refashioned as politics.

This sordid phenomenon was starkly visible during the recently concluded five-day (Feb 16-20, 2026) 'AI Impact Summit 2026' held in New Delhi - an event that was neither routine nor ceremonial, but one that signified India's arrival as a principal stakeholder in the global technological order.

Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress ecosystem chose to transform...