PM Modi Calls India A ‘Natural Hub’ For AI, Cites Resilient Digital Ecosystem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is fast emerging as a “natural hub” for Artificial Intelligence, supported by a robust digital foundation, secure infrastructure and a thriving startup ecosystem.

Addressing the India AI Impact Summit, he highlighted India’s growing capabilities across key technology sectors. “From semiconductors and chip manufacturing to quantum computing, India is building a resilient ecosystem with secure data centres, a strong IT backbone, and a dynamic startup ecosystem. These strengths make India a natural hub for affordable, scalable, and secure AI solutions,” he said.

Emphasising India’s structural advantages, the Prime Minister said the country’s diversity, demography and democratic framework give it a distinctive edge in the global AI landscape.

“India has diversity, demography, and democracy. An AI model that succeeds in India can succeed globally,” he said, adding, “Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world, deliver to humanity.”

He underlined the need to shift the focus of AI development from machines to people, advocating systems that are sensitive, accountable and rooted in human values.

Referring to the summit’s theme, he said, India’s approach is guided by ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya,’ welfare for all and happiness for all, which serves as the benchmark for AI development.

Democratising Technology For Inclusion

The Prime Minister stressed that AI must empower rather than marginalise communities.

“We must ensure that human beings do not remain mere data points and are not reduced to raw material. AI must be democratised. It must become a tool of inclusion and empowerment, especially for the Global South,” he said.

Addressing global anxieties around AI, he said perspectives differ, but India sees opportunity and its future in the technology, backed by talent, energy, capacity and policy clarity.

He also noted that three Indian companies launched AI models and applications at the summit, showcasing the depth of youth talent and indigenous innovation. An AI-enabled sign language interpretation displayed during his address demonstrated the technology’s practical and inclusive applications.

Also Read: MANAV Vision For AI: PM Modi Pitches Human-Centric, Transparent Global Framework