Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, calling for artificial intelligence to be democratic, inclusive and guided by strong ethical principles.
Describing the summit as a historic global gathering, PM Modi said India – home to one-sixth of humanity – is proud to host the first global AI summit in the Global South. He highlighted India’s strengths, including the world’s largest youth population, a vast technology talent pool and a rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
“Artificial Intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history,” the Prime Minister said, comparing its potential impact to turning points such as the advent of written language and wireless communication. “What we are witnessing today is only the beginning of its impact.”
He stressed that AI is not merely about making machines intelligent but about multiplying human capabilities. However, he cautioned that the unprecedented speed and scale of AI demand vision and responsibility. “The real question is not what AI can do in the future, but what we choose to do with AI in the present,” he said, drawing parallels with nuclear technology, which has demonstrated both destructive and constructive potential.
AI Must Be for All
Emphasising the summit’s theme – ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ (welfare for all, happiness for all) – PM Modi said AI must serve as a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South.
“Humans must not become mere data points or raw material for AI. We must democratise AI,” he said, adding that while AI should have an “open sky” to grow, ultimate command must remain in human hands.
He noted that India views AI not only as an opportunity but also as a blueprint for the future, where humans and intelligent systems “co-create, co-work and co-evolve.” AI, he said, will make work smarter, more efficient and more impactful, while opening up new roles in innovation, entrepreneurship and creative industries. He called for skilling, reskilling and lifelong learning to become a mass movement.
M.A.N.A.V. Vision for AI
At the summit, the Prime Minister unveiled India’s M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI, outlining five guiding principles:
M – Moral and Ethical Systems: AI must be grounded in strong ethical standards.
A – Accountable Governance: Transparent rules and robust oversight mechanisms are essential.
N – National Sovereignty: Data ownership must remain with its rightful owners.
A – Accessible and Inclusive: AI should act as a multiplier, not a monopoly.
V – Valid and Legitimate: AI systems must be lawful, verifiable and trustworthy.
PM Modi said the M.A.N.A.V. framework would serve as a crucial link in ensuring AI contributes to human welfare in the 21st century.
Call for Global Cooperation
The Prime Minister called for AI to be developed as a “Global Common Good,” advocating open collaboration rather than closed development. “Transparency is the greatest safeguard. Open code and shared development will allow millions of young minds to make AI better and safer,” he said.
He also underscored the need for global standards to tackle emerging challenges such as deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. Drawing a parallel with nutrition labels on food, he proposed authenticity markers and watermarking standards for digital content to build trust in AI-generated material.
Child safety in AI ecosystems must also be prioritised, he said, adding that digital spaces should be as carefully curated as school syllabi.
India’s Growing AI Ecosystem
Highlighting India’s technological capabilities, PM Modi said the country is building a resilient ecosystem spanning semiconductors, chip-making, quantum computing, secure data centres and a dynamic startup landscape. He noted that three Indian companies launched their AI models and applications during the summit, reflecting the strength of domestic innovation.
“With diversity, demography and democracy, India offers a unique testing ground. Any AI model that succeeds in India can succeed globally,” he said, inviting the world to “Design and Develop in India, Deliver to the World, Deliver to Humanity.”
The summit has drawn participation from over 100 countries, including heads of state, ministers, leaders from multilateral institutions and global AI industry figures. Among the dignitaries present was French President Emmanuel Macron, along with senior representatives from governments and international organisations.
