'Safe, Inclusive AI For All': PM Modi Says India Helping Shape 'Force For Good' Conversation

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 19:31 IST

PM Narendra Modi said while AI serves as a "force-multiplier for human intent", the ultimate responsibility for decision-making must remain firmly with people rather than machines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the coexistence of strong safeguards alongside innovation as he outlined his vision for ethical artificial intelligence, as New Delhi hosts the landmark ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’.

Setting a bold vision for a “human-centric" approach to technology, Prime Minister Modi called for a global regulatory framework that prioritises ethical governance and safety.

Modi said while artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a “force-multiplier for human intent", the ultimate responsibility for decision-making must remain firmly with people rather than machines.

“Around the world, societies are debating how AI should be used and governed. India is helping shape this conversation by showing that strong safeguards can coexist with continued innovation," Modi told news agency ANI during an exclusive interview. 

He advocated for a “global compact on AI" and said just as the world established international norms for aviation and shipping to ensure cross-border accountability, similar standards must now be applied to the digital frontier. This proposed framework, he said, will be built upon principles of human oversight, safety-by-design, and transparency, with strict prohibitions on the use of AI for deepfakes, cybercrime, and terrorist activities.

“India is moving toward a more structured governance approach in AI regulation. With the launch of the IndiaAI Safety Institute in January 2025, the country created a dedicated mechanism to promote the ethical, safe, and responsible deployment of AI systems," he said.

‘FOCUS ON LOCAL RISKS, SOCIETAL REALITIES’

Modi said India’s approach is distinctive because it focuses on “local risks and societal realities". It specifically scrutinises harms to vulnerable populations, including deepfakes targeting women, child safety risks, and threats affecting the elderly.

“The urgency of these safeguards is becoming evident to everyone due to the surge in deepfake videos. In response, India notified rules requiring watermarking of AI-generated content and the removal of harmful synthetic media. Alongside content safeguards, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act strengthens data protection and user rights in the digital ecosystem," he said.

The summit marks the first time a global convening of this scale on AI has been organised in the Global South. Under the guiding spirit of “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye" (welfare for all, happiness for all), India is positioning itself as a leader in establishing international standards that balance rapid innovation with social welfare.

He said India faces unique challenges regarding algorithmic bias that may not be obvious in western contexts. The AI systems trained primarily on English data or urban contexts often perform poorly for rural users or those from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, he added.

“Our diversity – linguistic, cultural, regional – means that AI bias can manifest in ways that might not be obvious," he said. “The positive development is that India is beginning to address this more systematically. We’re seeing increased focus on creating diverse datasets that represent India’s plurality, greater emphasis on AI development in regional languages, and growing research on fairness and bias in Indian academic institutions and tech companies."

The Prime Minister said AI must be a tool for inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development while respecting national security. By hosting this summit, India seeks to ensure that the “AI for All" movement remains deeply human-centric, pushing for technology that serves the collective good rather than scaling existing socio-economic risks.

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