OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on awkward moment with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at India AI Summit going viral; says: I was sort of …
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has addressed an awkward moment during a group photo session at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where he and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei appeared unsure of how to pose alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other tech leaders. While most participants raised their hands in unison, Altman and Amodei opted to raise their fists instead, leading to speculation about the duo's body language and potential tension between AI rivals. When questioned about the incident, Altman admitted he was "confused" and unsure of what was expected during the photo-op.
The awkward moment occurred during a high-profile event attended by prominent tech figures, including Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Meta Chief AI Officer Alexand Wang, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. PM Modi stood at the center of the group, with Pichai on his right and Altman on his left. Amodei, who previously worked at OpenAI before co-founding Anthropic, stood next to Altman. The viral video captured their brief confusion as they attempted to follow Modi's lead.
Amodei's background adds context to the situation. Before founding Anthropic, he spent years at OpenAI, where he played a key role in developing GPT-2 and GPT-3, models that revolutionized AI perception. His departure from OpenAI in 2021 was linked to disagreements over the company's direction. The incident has sparked discussions about the competitive dynamics between OpenAI and Anthropic, with some suggesting it reflects broader tensions in the AI industry.
This moment at the India AI Summit highlights the growing importance of AI in global tech discourse, particularly in India. As Modi continues to promote AI initiatives, such events bring together key players to discuss innovation and collaboration. The viral video has turned a simple photo-op into a focal point for media attention, underscoring how even minor interactions between high-profile figures can impact public perception.
The incident also raises questions about the future of AI development and competition. As OpenAI and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026