AI Impact Summit 2026: Here are five key takeaways from PM Modi’s speech

/ 3 min read
Summary

Highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Modi said, The real question is not what AI can do in future, it is what can we do with AI in the present

Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi | Credits: Narendra Bisht

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled his human-centric ‘MANAV’ vision for artificial intelligence (AI) at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, positioning India as a key driver of responsible and inclusive AI development. 

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Addressing a gathering of global leaders and top technology executives, Modi said, "...I welcome you all to the most historic AI Summit of the world...India is the centre of the world's largest tech pool...It is a matter of pride for the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in India.” 

The summit was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO Dennis Hassabis, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, and Microsoft president Brad Smith, among others. 

5 key takeaway from PM Modi’s speech

  • Highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Modi said, “The real question is not what AI can do in future, it is what can we do with AI in the present. AI is a transformative power. If it strays away from its goals, it will lead to destruction and if used well, it will give solutions… We have to give an open sky to AI, but at the same time we have to keep the reins in our hands.”

  • He cautioned against reducing individuals to mere data points and stressed the need for democratisation of technology. For AI, humans are just data points, and to prevent people from being reduced to raw material, AI must be democratised. It should promote inclusion and empowerment, especially in the Global South, he said.

  • Unveiling the MANAV framework, Modi said, “I present the MANAV Vision for AI. MANAV means human, and MANAV Vision says M- moral and ethical systems: AI should be based on ethical guidance. A- accountable governance means transparent rules, robust oversight; N- national sovereignty means whose data, his right. A- accessible and inclusive means AI should be a multiplier, not a monopoly. V- valid and legitimate means AI should be lawful and verifiable. This MANAV vision of India will become an important link for the welfare of humanity in the AI-based world of the 21st century.”

  • Reiterating India’s ambitions in the sector, he said, “India sees a strong future in AI. We have the talent, energy capacity, and policy clarity. I am pleased to inform you all that at this summit, three Indian companies have launched their AI models and apps. These models showcase the talent of our youth...I invite you all to design and develop in India, and deliver to the world, humanity.”

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  • The Prime Minister also underlined the need to prepare the workforce for technological change. “We must make skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning a mass movement. The future of work will be inclusive, trusted, and human-centric. If we move forward together, artificial intelligence will elevate the potential of humanity. We believe AI can benefit only when it can be shared; we should make a resolve to develop AI as a global common good.”

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