PM Modi Unveils M.A.N.A.V. Vision at India AI Impact Summit 2026; Calls for AI as Global Common Good

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, describing Artificial Intelligence as a transformative chapter in human history and outlining India’s M.A.N.A.V. vision for ethical and inclusive AI governance.

Addressing global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and the UN Secretary-General, Modi said AI represents a civilizational turning point comparable to the invention of script or electricity. “The real question is not what AI can do in the future, but what humanity chooses to do with AI in the present,” he said.

AI Must Be Democratized

The Prime Minister emphasized that AI must be human-centric, not machine-centric. Under the summit theme “सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय” — welfare for all, happiness of all — he said AI must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South.

“Humans must not become mere data points,” he cautioned, calling for democratization of AI and collective resolve to develop it as a Global Common Good. He advocated open code, shared development, and global standards to counter threats such as deepfakes and misinformation, including authenticity labeling and watermarking of AI-generated content.

M.A.N.A.V. Vision for AI

At the summit, Modi presented India’s M.A.N.A.V. framework:

• M – Moral and Ethical Systems
• A – Accountable Governance
• N – National Sovereignty
• A – Accessible and Inclusive
• V – Valid and Legitimate

He said this framework would anchor responsible AI development in the 21st century.

Co-Create, Co-Work, Co-Evolve

Highlighting the future of work, Modi said humanity is entering an era where humans and intelligent systems will “co-create, co-work and co-evolve.” AI, he noted, will make work smarter and more impactful, while opening new avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship. He called for skilling and lifelong learning to become a mass movement.

India as AI Hub

The Prime Minister underscored India’s strengths in talent, demographic scale, digital infrastructure, semiconductors, and startups. He invited global partners to “Design and Develop in India. Deliver to the World. Deliver to Humanity,” stating that AI solutions successful in India’s diverse ecosystem can scale globally.

With participation from over 100 countries, 20+ Heads of State, and 500 global AI leaders, the summit aims to align AI innovation with the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, positioning India as a leader in inclusive and responsible AI development.