‘Must transform AI disruption into greatest opportunity for humankind’: PM Modi at Delhi Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for global collaboration to turn the disruption brought about by artificial intelligence into humankind’s greatest opportunity. Speaking at the Leaders’ Plenary Session of India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi said humans have transformed every disruption into an opportunity if we look at history, and the advent and advancement of AI is a similar moment.

“If we look at history, we see that humanity has turned every disruption into a new opportunity. Today, we are facing a similar moment. Together, we must transform this disruption into the greatest opportunity for humankind,” the PM told global leaders.

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PM Modi unveils ‘MANAV’ vision for AI evolution at AI Impact Summit

Expressing hope that the Delhi AI Summit will play a crucial role in building a human-centric and sensitive global AI ecosystem, Modi asserted that ‘right action comes from right understanding’, as stated by Lord Buddha.

“India is the land of Buddha, and Lord Buddha said that right action comes from right understanding. Therefore, it is essential that we work together to create a roadmap that ensures the right impact of AI.”

Modi stressed that when the right decisions are taken at the right time with the right intent, these result in the right impact.

“During the COVID global pandemic, the world witnessed when we stand together, even the impossible becomes possible. From vaccine development to supply chain, from data sharing to saving lives, collaboration provided the solution,” the PM said, building upon the theme of collaboration in the age of AI.

‘AI – not to dominate, but to empower’

The PM highlighted the success of India’s digital vaccination platform and UPI during the difficult period of the COVID pandemic, adding that the country has built a vibrant digital public infrastructure, which it is sharing with the world.

“For us, technology is not a means of power, but a means of service — not to dominate, but to empower,” he said, calling on the world to come together to create a roadmap for the responsible impact of AI.

The PM also explained why ethics have to be at the centre of any discussion that happens on AI.

“The only difference is that previously, the scope of unethical behaviour was very narrow, but in AI, its scope is limitless. Therefore, we must expand the scope of ethical behaviour and norms for AI. AI companies face a huge responsibility. An ethical commitment that focuses on purpose alongside profit is crucial,” he said.

PM Modi listed three suggestions for the ethical use of AI:

1. A data framework for AI training that respects data sovereignty. “As the saying goes in AI, garbage in, garbage out. If the data is not secure, balanced, and reliable, the output will not be trustworthy. Therefore, a global trusted data framework is essential.”
2. AI platforms should have clear and transparent safety rules. “We need a glass box approach instead of a black box, where safety rules can be viewed and verified. Accountability will become clearer, and ethical behaviour in business will also be encouraged.”
3. AI needs clear human values ​​and guidance. “The paperclip problem is often cited in AI research. If a machine is given the goal of simply making paperclips, it will continue to do so, even at the cost of devouring all the world’s resources.”

Thus, PM Modi underscored that while technology is powerful, it will always require humans to determine the direction.

Winding up, the Prime Minister stated: “India’s direction regarding AI is clear. India’s vision is clear. AI is a shared resource for the benefit of all humanity. Together, we must create an AI future that advances innovation, strengthens inclusion, and moves forward by incorporating human values. When technology and human trust go hand in hand, the true impact of AI will be visible on the world.”