The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is taking place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, gathering tech leaders and special guests from around the world. On the fourth day of the event, a moment captured on stage involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CEOs Sam Altman of ChatGPT and Dario Amodei of Anthropic became a major talking point globally. Notably, while Altman and Amodei raised their hands in response to Modi, they did not shake hands, leading to speculation and discussion online.

In response to the incident, Sam Altman clarified his stance during an interview with a news channel, stating that he felt confused in that situation. He recounted his perception that Prime Minister Modi had raised his hand, which left him uncertain about the expectations regarding handshaking at that moment. Altman's explanation sheds light on the potential miscommunication and cultural differences that can arise in such high-profile settings, especially involving leaders from different backgrounds.

The scenario highlights the impact of symbolic gestures like handshakes at important events, particularly within the technology realm, where relationships between influential figures can significantly affect public perception and collaborative opportunities. The incident, while seemingly minor, taps into larger themes of etiquette, expectations in diplomatic interactions, and the significance of body language, especially in a context that blends global leadership and innovative discussions.