At today’s India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, a simple photo-op did what a thousand think pieces can’t: it went viral. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to get top AI leaders to link hands for the cameras, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei visibly didn’t, a moment that quickly dominated Technology Updates across platforms. That tiny “nope” moment turned into memes, hot takes, and a fresh round of “AI rivalry” chatter.
What’s Going On Between Them
This isn’t a personal feud so much as a very public competition with real policy stakes. Amodei left OpenAI and later co-founded Anthropic, which positions itself as more safety-first and more cautious about deployment. Altman’s OpenAI, meanwhile, pushes faster iteration, broad adoption, and big platform ambition. At the summit, both spoke about misuse risks and governance, yet their tone around regulation and speed still reads differently and people notice.
Why They’re Trending Now
The hand-hold dodge landed because it followed weeks of louder brand jabs. India Today reported fresh swipes tied to a Super Bowl-era campaign and the wider argument over ads, product direction, and who “owns” public trust in AI tools. Put them on the same stage, add a forced-unity photo, and the internet gets a clean, visual storyline it can share in one clip.
Quick Context: OpenAI Vs Anthropic
Both firms are racing on capability, enterprise deals, and credibility. The subtext is simple: whose philosophy becomes the default for how AI ships globally fast and wide, or slower with tighter guardrails.
FAQs
Is this an actual feud or just internet drama?
Mostly a business rivalry: different safety philosophies, product strategies, and influence over global AI rules.
Why do people compare Anthropic and OpenAI so much?
They’re competing to be the default AI platform for consumers, enterprises, and governments worldwide right now.
What exactly happened on stage in Delhi?
The viral moment was at India AI Impact Summit 2026 during PM Modi’s group photo.
What’s the deeper issue behind the awkward clip?
Because both companies publicly debate regulation, openness, ads, and how fast models should ship overall.
How should we follow this story without the noise?
Watch official summit remarks, policy proposals, and product launches rather than memes or clips alone.
