AI rivalry goes public as OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei avoid holding hands at Delhi Summit

In a video that quickly went viral on social media, the CEOs of rival artificial intelligence companies appeared visibly uncomfortable during the photo opportunity, creating an uneasy moment at the global event.

Modi stood at the centre of the group, flanked by Altman and Sundar Pichai on either side, while Amodei stood next to the OpenAI chief.

Though Altman initially appeared hesitant, both executives eventually raised their fists in a gesture that seemed to defuse the moment without physical contact.

Amodei, who previously served as Vice President of Research at OpenAI, left the organisation in 2021 to co-found Anthropic with his sister Daniela Amodei.

Anthropic has since emerged as one of OpenAI’s key competitors in the global AI race.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by the Government of India, is a major global technology event aimed at positioning the country as a leader in artificial intelligence innovation, governance, and deployment.

Being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, the summit has brought together world leaders, technology executives, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of AI.