New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday introduced India’s MANAV Vision for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, outlining a human-focused approach to ethical, accountable and inclusive AI governance.
Addressing delegates from across the world, the Prime Minister formally unveiled the framework, saying, “Today at the New Delhi AI Impact Summit, I present the MANAV Vision for AI. MANAV means human.”
Explaining the five pillars of the vision, he detailed the principles guiding India’s approach to AI. “‘M’ stands for moral and ethical systems – AI should be based on ethical guidance. ‘A’ stands for accountable governance, meaning transparent rules and robust oversight. ‘N’ stands for national sovereignty – whose data, his right. ‘A’ stands for accessible and inclusive – AI should be a multiplier, not a monopoly. ‘V’ stands for valid and legitimate – AI should be lawful and verifiable.”
The Prime Minister said the MANAV Vision is intended to act as a reference point for the global AI community. “This MANAV vision of India will become an important link for the welfare of humanity in the AI-based world of the 21st century,” he said.
Raising concerns over emerging risks, Modi emphasised the need for stronger protections, particularly for children. “We have to be more cautious regarding children’s safety. The AI space should also be child safe and family guided,” he said.
He also reflected on the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on society. “We are entering an era where humans and intelligent systems co-create, co-work and co-evolve,” he said, while underlining India’s confidence in the sector. “India sees a strong future in AI. We have the talent, energy capacity and policy clarity.”
During his address, the Prime Minister announced new domestic developments, noting the launch of AI models and applications by Indian companies at the summit. “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,” he said.
Calling for deeper international cooperation, Modi invited global innovators to work with India. “I invite you all to design and develop in India, deliver to the world, humanity,” he said.
The India AI Impact Summit has drawn policymakers, industry experts, researchers, innovators and civil society representatives from multiple countries to discuss the governance, safety and societal impact of artificial intelligence. As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event aligns discussions on technology with the principle of AI for Humanity and India’s vision of inclusive development.
BI Bureau
