A Historic Moment in AI Governance
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote speech urging global leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that benefits humanity rather than merely serving technological progress. His address emphasized that AI must be democratic, inclusive, and human-centric, warning against reducing human beings to mere data points in AI systems.
AI Must Not Reduce Humans to Data Points
Prime Minister Modi underscored that the rapid evolution of AI carries both transformational potential and risks if left unconstrained. “AI is a transformative power,” he stated, “but if directionless, it becomes a disruption; if given the right direction, it becomes a solution.” He stressed that technologies should enhance human capabilities and not treat people as raw material or data points for machines.
Using an analogy with satellite navigation systems, Modi explained that AI should act as a guide, not a decision-maker, highlighting that although systems like GPS show directions, humans ultimately decide where to go. This viewpoint reflected his call to ensure human agency, accountability, and control in AI development.
Democratising AI for Inclusion and Empowerment
The Prime Minister’s speech focused on the need for democratised AI, accessible to all nations and communities, especially in the Global South. Modi emphasized that AI should be a medium of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity, rather than a monopolised asset controlled by a few countries and corporations.
He urged global cooperation to establish international standards for safety, trust, and transparency in AI systems. Highlighting the dangers of misinformation and synthetic content, he advocated for authenticity labels, watermarking, and clear source identification to help users distinguish real content from fabricated material.
MANAV Vision: A Human-First Framework for AI
Prime Minister Modi unveiled India’s MANAV Vision for artificial intelligence — a human-centred approach to building ethical, accountable, and sovereign AI systems. MANAV stands for:
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M — Moral and ethical systems guiding AI development
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A — Accountable governance with transparent oversight
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N — National sovereignty, especially data rights
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A — Accessible and inclusive technologies
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V — Valid, lawful, and verifiable AI systems
This framework aims to ensure that AI upholds human dignity, equity, and ethical principles, enabling technology to serve people across the globe.
Skills, Trust, and Future Work
Modi also called for a mass movement in skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning to prepare societies for the AI-driven future of work. According to him, AI should make workers more efficient and capable, not replace their roles. He emphasized the need for trusted, safe AI ecosystems especially for children, creating digital spaces that enhance experience without risk.
Shared Responsibility and Opportunity
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together global leaders, technologists, and innovators to envision a future where AI is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial for all segments of society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address sets a tone for AI governance that prioritizes human welfare, agency, and global cooperation.
