Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined India’s vision for a human-centric artificial intelligence ecosystem while addressing the AI Impact Summit and called for the democratisation of AI, cautioning against a future where humans are reduced to “mere data points” in the age of advanced technology.
Emphasising that artificial intelligence must remain a tool for inclusion, the Prime Minister said it should be developed responsibly and kept firmly under human control.
He unveiled the ‘MANAV’ framework for AI governance, which focuses on ethics, accountability, national data sovereignty, accessibility and legal validity.
“Welfare for all and happiness for all is our benchmark. Humans should not become mere data points or raw material for AI,” the Prime Minister said, stressing the need to make AI inclusive and widely accessible.
PM’s ‘MANAV’ Vision for AI
To promote a human-centric approach, the Prime Minister introduced the MANAV framework.
M for Moral and Ethical Systems, wherein AI systems must be guided by ethical values and moral responsibility.
A standing for Accountable, where governance structures should ensure accountability through transparent rules and proper oversight.
N for National Sovereignty in which data generated within a country should belong to that nation and remain under its jurisdiction.
A for Accessible and Inclusive, wherein AI should be available to all sections of society and act as a multiplier, not a monopoly.
Also V for Valid and Legitimate in which AI systems must be lawful, reliable and verifiable under the rule of law.
“This MANAV vision of India will become an important link for the welfare of humanity in the AI-based world of the 21st century,” the Prime Minister asserted.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is a six-day global conference and the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South. Held under the theme ‘Welfare for All, Happiness for All’, the event has drawn more than 200,000 participants, including world leaders, heads of state and leading technology figures such as Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai and Jensen Huang.
In his address, PM Modi compared the current AI revolution to historic milestones that reshaped civilisation and accelerated human progress. From the discovery of fire to the invention of writing systems and wireless communication, he said each breakthrough transformed society — and AI represents the next major turning point.
“What we are witnessing today is only the beginning of AI’s impact,” he said, noting that the speed and scale of AI-driven change are unprecedented. Unlike earlier technological revolutions that took years to spread, AI advancements are rapidly expanding across sectors and regions.
“AI has transformative power. If it is left without a path ahead it will cause disruption. If it goes the right path, it will help in the solution process,” PM Modi stressed.
The Prime Minister said the participation of more than 100 countries, along with leading voices from the global AI ecosystem, was a matter of pride not only for India but also for the Global South.
He also pointed to the strong presence of young innovators at the summit, highlighting how the younger generation is embracing emerging technologies despite the scepticism that often accompanies major technological shifts.
India AI Impact Summit 2026: Pioneering Human-Centric AI Future
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, is the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South and has emerged as a landmark event in the world of artificial intelligence.
Spread over six days, the summit brings together more than 200,000 participants, including world leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and industry icons such as Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, and Jensen Huang.
Under the theme “Welfare for All, Happiness for All”, the summit focuses on promoting the responsible and inclusive use of AI technologies. Leaders highlighted how AI can transform society when guided by ethics, transparency, and accessibility, while also stressing the importance of national data sovereignty and accountability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the MANAV framework, emphasizing a human-centric approach where AI serves as a tool of inclusion, ensuring that technological advancements reach every citizen, including the most marginalised.
The summit also celebrated the active participation of young innovators, reflecting a new generation eager to harness emerging technologies for social and economic progress.
Through discussions, exhibitions, and showcases, the event positioned India as a global leader in shaping AI policies that prioritize human welfare, ethical governance, and inclusive development.
