Rahul Gandhi under fire for using banned Chinese drone in video

New Delhi, Feb 17: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi has come under heavy fire from industry experts and leaders for using a banned Chinese drone in a video he posted on social media platform, criticising India’s drone industry.
Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India (DFI), strongly objected to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, saying that dismissing the country’s growing drone sector while showcasing a Chinese DJI drone was “unfair and misleading”.
DJI drones are made by DJI Technology Company Limited, a Chinese company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong.
Shah, in a video posted on X, pointed out that DJI drones have been banned in India since 2022, yet Rahul Gandhi was seen operating one. He questioned how the drone was acquired and whether 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 emphasised.
Shah also raised legal concerns about Rahul Gandhi flying the drone, asking whether he had a valid Remote Pilot Certificate and if the drone was registered on DigitalSky, as required under India’s Drone Rules 2021.
“His residence and office likely fall under a restricted zone. Did he get the necessary clearance from the authorities before flying the drone?” he questioned.
Gandhi, in his video, argued that India lacks a strong production base for drones. “India has immense talent and potential. We need a clear strategy to build strong industries, create jobs, and lead in the global market,” he had claimed. (IANS)