“We See Opportunity, Not Fear in AI”: PM Modi Unveils India’s MANAV Vision at AI Summit

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India views artificial intelligence not with fear, but with opportunity. He highlighted the importance of thinking about AI for both the present and the future and outlined India’s MANAV vision—a framework for ethical, inclusive, and human-centric AI development.

A Historic Turning Point in Human History

PM Modi described AI as a transformative force comparable to the discovery of fire or the advent of wireless communication, reshaping human potential at unprecedented speed and scale. He noted that while machines are becoming intelligent, AI’s true value lies in enhancing human capability.

The Prime Minister stressed the responsibility of the current generation in shaping AI for the future: “The real question is not what AI can do in the future, but what we do with AI today. Just as nuclear power once posed both risk and opportunity, AI too can either solve problems or cause harm depending on how we use it.”

AI Adoption Among Youth

PM Modi highlighted the enthusiasm of the younger generation, saying that youth participation at the summit demonstrates India’s leadership in embracing AI. Solutions showcased ranged from agriculture and security to assistive technologies for people with disabilities and tools addressing the needs of India’s multilingual population—demonstrating the strength of “Made in India” innovations.

Democratizing AI

The Prime Minister stressed that humans should never be reduced to mere data points. AI must be inclusive, empowering, and controlled by people, especially in the Global South. Using the analogy of GPS, he explained that while AI can guide, the final decision must remain with humans.

Introducing the MANAV Vision

PM Modi presented the MANAV framework for India’s AI ecosystem:

• M – Moral and Ethical Systems: AI guided by ethics
• A – Accountable Governance: Transparent rules and strong oversight
• N – National Sovereignty: Data ownership remains with the country
• A – Accessible and Inclusive: AI as a multipolar, not monopolized, resource
• V – Valid and Legitimate: AI solutions must be lawful and verifiable

Preparing for the Future of Work

PM Modi emphasized that AI will reshape jobs and the future of work, calling for large-scale reskilling and upskilling programs. He urged that AI’s benefits be shared openly, with open-source code and collaborative development ensuring security and equity.

Ensuring Safety and Transparency

The Prime Minister also stressed global standards for digital content, including labeling AI-generated material to combat misinformation, and highlighted the importance of safe AI for children.

India’s AI Potential

Highlighting India’s technological capabilities, PM Modi said the country is building a complete AI ecosystem from semiconductors to quantum computing, supported by diverse talent, strong policies, and democratic values. He invited global collaboration under the mantra: “Design and develop in India, deliver to the world, deliver to humanity.”

PM Modi concluded: “In AI, we do not see fear; we see opportunity. India sees a bright future in AI, with talent, energy, and policy clarity ready to harness its transformative power.”