Rahul Gandhi Criticised for Using Banned Chinese Drone in Social Media Post
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has sparked controversy after posting a social media video in which he criticised India’s drone industry while using a banned Chinese drone. Industry experts and leaders have strongly objected to the remarks, pointing out the misleading narrative and legal concerns surrounding his actions.
Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India (DFI), condemned the use of the Chinese DJI drone in Gandhi’s video. He noted that DJI drones, manufactured by the Shenzhen-based DJI Technology Company Limited, have been banned in India since 2022. Shah questioned how the drone was acquired and if proper legal clearances were obtained before its use.
“India’s drone industry is still developing, and there is a lot of work to be done. But making sweeping statements without offering real solutions does not help. The combined efforts of industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers are driving real progress,” Shah stated in a video shared on X. He also raised concerns about compliance with India’s Drone Rules 2021, asking whether Gandhi had a valid Remote Pilot Certificate, if the drone was registered on DigitalSky, and whether necessary clearance was obtained for flying it in what is likely a restricted zone. “Do these rules not apply to him, or does he simply not care?” Shah asked.
Mohandas Pai, Padma Shri awardee and former CFO of Infosys, also criticised Gandhi’s claims, questioning whether the drone was Indian or Chinese-made. Pai highlighted India’s significant industrial progress, noting the country’s growth across various sectors. “India is the 5th largest Industrial manufacturing country globally today, 2nd largest steel producer, 2nd largest cement, 3rd largest automobile producer, largest 2W manufacturer, 2nd largest mobile phone producer, and 3rd largest power producer, much of this in the last 10 years,” Pai posted on X. He accused Gandhi of spreading outdated and misleading narratives that undermine India’s progress.
Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief, also weighed in, criticising Gandhi’s use of a Chinese drone. “This is another brainless, misinformed, dated, and totally misleading video,” Malviya wrote on X. He questioned why Gandhi chose to showcase a Chinese drone when Indian startups in the drone ecosystem are creating advanced models.
In the video, Rahul Gandhi argued that India lacks a strong production base for drones, claiming the country has immense talent but needs clear strategies to build robust industries, create jobs, and compete in the global market. However, his use of a banned Chinese product has raised more questions than answers, with critics calling for accountability and a more constructive approach to addressing industry challenges.
