Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined a comprehensive and human-centric framework for Artificial Intelligence, presenting India’s ‘MANAV’ vision at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 and urging the world to balance innovation with responsibility.
Addressing the gathering in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the AI era carries both immense promise and profound responsibility. He underlined that the central question is not what AI can achieve in the future, but how it is guided in the present, drawing a parallel with nuclear power, a force that has demonstrated both destructive and constructive potential.
Human-Centric Framework For The 21st Century
Describing AI as a transformative force, PM Modi cautioned that without proper direction, it could lead to harm, but when steered responsibly, it could become a powerful solution for global challenges.
He introduced the ‘MANAV’ framework as India’s human-centric vision for the 21st century. The acronym stands for Moral and Ethical Systems; Accountable Governance with transparent rules, robust oversight and respect for national sovereignty; Accessible and Inclusive systems to prevent monopolies; Valued and Legitimate use built on law and trust; and a Vision for Humanity focused on welfare.
He stressed that while AI must be given freedom to innovate, human oversight must remain paramount, asserting that technology’s future will be shaped by human values rather than machines.
Transparency, Global Norms And Safety
Emphasising openness, PM Modi advocated transparency as a safeguard in AI development. While some nations treat AI as a strategic asset to be developed confidentially, he said India supports shared innovation, open codes and collective progress so that young minds worldwide can refine and secure the technology.
He also called for global standards to address risks such as deep-fakes and manipulated digital content, proposing authenticity labels, watermarking and clear source standards to help users distinguish AI-generated material.
Highlighting child safety, he urged stronger safeguards in the AI ecosystem, comparing it to curated school curricula that ensure safe learning environments.
Framing India’s outlook as opportunity-driven rather than fear-based, the Prime Minister said the country possesses the talent, energy and policy clarity to lead in AI, noting that three Indian companies launched AI models and applications at the summit.
Also Read: ‘In AI, India Sees Opportunity And Blueprint Of Tomorrow,’ PM Modi Addresses AI Impact Summit 2026
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