Modi Launches India AI Impact Summit, Unveils Human-Centric M.A.N.A.V. Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, positioning India at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence transformation and calling for AI to be developed as a shared, human-centric force for global good.

Describing the gathering as the world's largest and most historic AI summit, Modi welcomed leaders from over 100 countries, global innovators and policymakers, and said India's hosting of the summit was a matter of pride not only for the country but also for the Global South.

"India represents one-sixth of humanity," the Prime Minister said, highlighting the country's vast youth population, expanding technology ecosystem and rapidly growing AI talent pool.

India as a Global Hub for AI Innovation

The Prime Minister noted that India is not only creating new technologies but adopting them at an unprecedented scale, driven by the enthusiasm of 140 crore citizens ready to embrace innovation.

He pointed to strong youth participation at the summit's exhibition, where "Made in India" AI solutions were showcased in sectors such as:

• Agriculture and food systems

• Security and disaster response

• Assistance for divyangjan

• Multilingual inclusion and accessibility

Modi said the speed with which young people worldwide are accepting and taking ownership of AI is unlike any previous technological shift.

AI a Historic Turning Point in Civilization

Drawing parallels with humanity's greatest technological milestones — from fire and writing to wireless communication — Modi said AI represents a transformation of the same magnitude.

"Artificial Intelligence is multiplying human capability many times over," he said, stressing that its impact will unfold faster and at a larger scale than earlier innovations.

He warned, however, that the world must exercise responsibility in shaping AI's direction.

"The real question is not what AI can do in the future, but what humanity chooses to do with AI in the present," he said.

Like nuclear power, he added, AI can be disruptive if directionless, but transformative if guided wisely.

'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya': India's Benchmark for AI

Prime Minister Modi said India's approach to AI is rooted in the summit theme: 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya' — welfare and happiness for all.

He cautioned against humans becoming "raw material" for AI systems and called for democratization of AI so it becomes a tool of inclusion, particularly for developing countries.

"AI must be given an open sky, while command must remain in human hands," he said, comparing AI's role to GPS guidance that supports but does not replace human choice.

Modi Unveils India's M.A.N.A.V. Vision for Responsible AI

At the summit, the Prime Minister presented India's M.A.N.A.V. Vision, a framework for ethical and accountable AI governance:

• M – Moral and Ethical Systems: AI must be guided by ethics

• A – Accountable Governance: Transparent oversight and rules

• N – National Sovereignty: Data belongs to its rightful owner

• A – Accessible and Inclusive: AI must empower, not monopolize

• V – Valid and Legitimate: AI must be lawful and verifiable

Modi said this vision would serve as a crucial link for humanity's welfare in the AI-driven 21st century.

Future of Work: Opportunity, Not Fear

The Prime Minister rejected narratives of AI-driven job loss, arguing that AI will create new roles and industries just as the internet once did.

He described the future of work as an era where humans and intelligent systems will "co-create, co-work and co-evolve," enabling smarter decision-making, faster building and more meaningful innovation.

He called for skilling, reskilling and lifelong learning to become a mass movement to ensure inclusive AI-driven growth.

Global Standards Needed to Counter Deepfakes

Modi warned that deepfakes and fabricated content are destabilizing open societies, calling for urgent global standards to build trust into AI systems.

He proposed authenticity labels for digital content, similar to nutrition labels on food, along with watermarking and clear source verification standards.

"Transparency is the greatest safeguard," he said, quoting the principle that "Sunlight is the best disinfectant."

AI as a Global Common Good

The Prime Minister said India believes AI will benefit humanity only when it is shared, advocating open code and collaborative development rather than secrecy.

He called for AI to be treated as a Global Common Good, inviting the world to partner with India's growing ecosystem of semiconductors, quantum computing, secure data infrastructure and startups.

"Design and Develop in India. Deliver to the World. Deliver to Humanity," he said.

Global Leaders Attend Summit Opening

The inauguration was attended by major international dignitaries, including:

• French President Emmanuel Macron

• The UN Secretary-General

• Heads of State, ministers and multilateral leaders

• Global AI and technology industry executives

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues through 20 February, with discussions focused on governance, innovation, inclusion and responsible deployment of AI worldwide.