In a press conference on Thursday, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur defended the institution and addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Professor Neha Singh's presentation of a Chinese robodog, labeled as an original development by the university, at the recent AI Impact Summit. Gaur confirmed that Singh, a communications professor, has not been suspended pending an investigation into the incident, despite backlash from social media users who identified the robot as a Unitree Go2.

“She is not suspended and has been told to stay... Until the complete investigation is done as to why such a mistake has been committed, such proceedings will continue... Because of one person's wrongdoing, the entire university should not be questioned,” Gaur stated, emphasizing the university's commitment to protecting its reputation and that of the country.

Regret over the incident was palpable, with Gaur stating, “We are also citizens of India, and we definitely want our country to move forward.” The university has since withdrawn its stall from the India AI Impact Summit and pledged to thoroughly investigate how such a significant error occurred.

The controversy drew political ire, with Congress leader Pawan Khera criticizing the incident as a reduction of the summit to “a cheap China Bazaar.” Khera also took aim at Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, suggesting that AI now represents “Ashwini is Incompetent” and described the summit as having devolved into a “Jhappi-Pappi Fest.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the incident a “shame,” focusing on the reputational damage it has inflicted on both India and the summit. Chaturvedi also called for stricter vetting of exhibitors, pointing out that such a credibility check could have prevented the situation.

In response to the uproar, IT Secretary S Krishnan reiterated the government's stance against misleading displays at exhibitions, affirming that organisers had requested Galgotias University vacate its stall to prevent further controversy.

The India AI Impact Summit—an event aimed at bridging gaps between policymakers, technology firms, innovators, and academia—continues for an extended five days under the themes of People, Planet, and Progress as part of the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India initiative.