OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs Don't Hold Hands at India AI Summit 2026

The leaders of OpenAI and Anthropic, Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, chose not to hold hands during a photo at the India AI Summit 2026. This is different from other leaders who did participate in the gesture.
By Newsroom | Technology, Artificial Intelligence |

A moment during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi saw the leaders of two major artificial intelligence companies, Sam Altman of OpenAI and Dario Amodei of Anthropic, conspicuously refrain from holding hands for a group photograph. This act, witnessed alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other tech leaders, has drawn significant attention and is being interpreted as a public display of the growing rivalry between their organizations.

Context of the AI Summit and Leadership Gathering

The India AI Impact Summit, held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, aimed to foster discussions and commitments around artificial intelligence. The event brought together prominent figures in the global AI landscape. During a segment of the summit, Prime Minister Modi invited several technology leaders on stage for a photo opportunity, which included a symbolic gesture of unity where participants were encouraged to hold hands.

Read More: AI Leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei Don't Hold Hands at India Summit

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  • Participants: Notable attendees on stage included Sam Altman (OpenAI), Dario Amodei (Anthropic), Sundar Pichai (Google/Alphabet), and Alexandr Wang (Meta's AI chief).

  • The Gesture: Prime Minister Modi raised the hands of some leaders, and others followed suit in holding hands to signify unity.

  • Altman and Amodei's Action: Instead of holding hands with each other, Altman and Amodei, who were standing adjacent, raised their fists.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of increasing competition between OpenAI and Anthropic, companies founded by former colleagues and now considered major players in the AI race.

Divergent Paths and Competitive Landscape

The companies OpenAI and Anthropic represent different approaches to AI development and safety, fueling their competitive dynamic.

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  • OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is often described as championing rapid AI commercialization and development, with projections of advanced AI capabilities emerging in the near future.

  • Anthropic, co-founded by Dario Amodei (brother of Daniela Amodei, who also co-founded Anthropic with former OpenAI employees), positions itself as a research-driven company prioritizing AI safety and ethical guardrails.

This fundamental difference in philosophy has contributed to a "brewing cold war" in the AI world and has been evident in public exchanges, including a recent "Super Bowl ad war."

The Unseen Handshake: A Symbolic Moment

The refusal of Sam Altman and Dario Amodei to hold hands during the group photo has been widely discussed and analyzed, particularly on social media.

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  • Observation: Visuals of Altman and Amodei raising their fists instead of interlocking hands circulated quickly.

  • Interpretation: This action is seen as a clear manifestation of the tension and rivalry between the two leading AI firms.

  • Contextual Significance: The moment occurred shortly after the companies engaged in a public dispute during the Super Bowl advertising period.

While Altman reportedly stated he was "simply confused" about the gesture, the visual served as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the AI sector, even as global bodies attempt to forge a unified path for AI regulation.

Read More: MIT AI Agent Index: Safety Testing Details Not Shared by Developers in 2026

Expert Perspectives on the Rivalry and its Display

The interactions and contrasting philosophies of OpenAI and Anthropic leaders are central to understanding the broader AI industry's trajectory.

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"The OpenAI–Anthropic rivalry does not seem to die down anytime soon. Both OpenAI and Anthropic have emerged as top AI leaders, albeit in different market segments." (Firstpost)

"The friction stems from their differing philosophies: Altman champions rapid AI commercialization, while Amodei prioritizes safety and ethical guardrails." (Mathrubhumi)

"Their companies now represent distinct approaches to AI development, with OpenAI focusing on rapid deployment and Anthropic emphasizing safety and alignment." (The Quint)

The differing visions presented by Altman (focusing on rapid advancement and India's role as an innovation driver) and Amodei (emphasizing India's role in addressing AI safety challenges) at the summit further underscore these distinct strategic directions.

Implications and Future Considerations

The event at the India AI Impact Summit, while seemingly a small gesture, carries symbolic weight. It highlights the intensely competitive nature of the AI industry and the public visibility of the strategies employed by its leading figures.

  • Market Competition: The rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic is shaping the AI market, with both companies actively engaging with significant markets like India.

  • Differing Visions: The divergent approaches to AI development—rapid commercialization versus safety-first—may lead to distinct outcomes and challenges in AI governance.

  • Public Perception: The visible tension between key AI leaders can influence public and governmental perceptions of the industry's unity and its approach to critical issues like safety and regulation.

The incident serves as a signal that the competition for AI dominance is not confined to technological advancements but also plays out in public forums, reflecting the high stakes involved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Sam Altman and Dario Amodei not hold hands at the India AI Summit on February 19, 2026?
The CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic, Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, did not hold hands for a group photo at the summit in New Delhi. Instead, they both raised their fists. This is seen as a sign of the strong competition between their companies.
Q: Who else was at the India AI Summit group photo on February 19, 2026?
The photo included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Sundar Pichai of Google/Alphabet, and Alexandr Wang from Meta. Prime Minister Modi was trying to get leaders to hold hands for a picture of unity.
Q: What is the rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic?
OpenAI and Anthropic are two major AI companies. OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, focuses on fast development and selling AI products. Anthropic, led by Dario Amodei, focuses more on AI safety and ethics. They used to have people who worked at both companies, and now they compete strongly.
Q: How does the refusal to hold hands show the rivalry?
The act of not holding hands, especially when other leaders did, was noticed by many. It happened shortly after both companies had a public disagreement during the Super Bowl. This moment is seen as a public display of the tension and different paths these two AI leaders are taking.
Q: What does this mean for the future of AI?
The competition between OpenAI and Anthropic is shaping the AI market. Their different ideas about how AI should be developed and used could lead to different results in the future. This event shows that the competition is not just about technology but also about how these companies present themselves to the world.