'Our AI Models Will Serve Billions In Their Native Languages': PM Modi On India's 'Creator' Potential

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 22:36 IST

PM Narendra Modi said the Union Budget 2026 reinforces India's AI vision by expanding support for data centres, cloud infrastructure, and domestic compute capacity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India should aim to be a creator in artificial intelligence rather than just a consumer.

Unveiling his ambitious roadmap to transform India into one of the world’s top three artificial intelligence (AI) superpowers, Prime Minister Modi said the country’s digital journey is built on the fundamental principle of self-reliance.

“Our journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat has been built on a fundamental principle: India must not just consume technology but create it," Modi said, adding that his vision rests on the three pillars of sovereignty, inclusivity, and innovation.

He said central to this strategy is the development of indigenous AI models designed to serve billions in their native languages. By writing its “own code for the digital century", the Centre aims to ensure that technology reflects Indian values and serves its people directly.

“Our AI models will be deployed worldwide, serving billions in their native languages. Our AI startups will be valued in hundreds of billions, creating millions of high-quality jobs," he said.

Modi predicted a significant economic windfall from this shift. “I am confident that our youth can build AI solutions for Indian realities, designed for farmers, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators," he said.

To support this transition from participation to leadership, he said the central government is making substantial investments in the underlying physical and policy ecosystems. He said the Union Budget 2026 reinforces this vision by expanding support for data centres, cloud infrastructure, and domestic compute capacity.

Here are key components of this infrastructure:

• High-performance computing: Providing startups and research institutions with access to the resources required for advanced AI development.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: Continued push to strengthen hardware foundations through electronics production linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
• Centres of Excellence: Establishing dedicated hubs to foster AI research and development.

India’s growing influence was highlighted by its hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, the first global AI gathering of its kind to be held in the Global South. The summit, which attracted over 20 Heads of state and 500 global AI leaders, is anchored in the three sutras of ‘People, Planet, and Progress’.

The event signals India’s intent to promote an inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented framework for innovation. Already ranking third in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025, India is leveraging its talent and entrepreneurial energy to shape the global AI agenda.

“In short," he said, adding, “we are not just nurturing talent, but we are building the infrastructure, policy ecosystem and skills base required for India to move from participating in the AI revolution to shaping it."

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