At the AI Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined three key suggestions for shaping responsible artificial intelligence, calling for data sovereignty, transparent safety frameworks and clear human-centric guidelines to govern the technology.
Modi said the rapid expansion of AI has widened the scope of unethical behaviour, making it imperative to equally expand ethical norms and safeguards.
“Previously, the scope of unethical behaviour was narrow, but now this scope is unlimited. So we must also expand the scope of ethical behaviour and norms,” he said.
- First, Modi called for the creation of a robust data framework anchored in data sovereignty. “If data is not trustworthy, there will be no output,” he said, underscoring the importance of credible and secure data systems.
- Second, he stressed that AI platforms must operate with clear and transparent safety rules. “Humans need a glass box, not a black box,” he said, arguing for explainability and accountability in AI systems.
- Third, Modi said AI must be guided by clear human values and principles. “Technology is needed, but guidelines must be set by humans,” he said, adding that right action stems from right understanding.
He urged global stakeholders to jointly craft a roadmap that ensures AI delivers the right impact and serves as a companion to humanity rather than a disruptor.
"I am confident that this summit will play an important role in building a human-centric, sensitive, global ecosystem," Modi said. Talking about the AI wave, he urged that we need to turn this disruptive period into humanity's biggest opportunity.
Highlighting India’s past experience, Modi said the country has built a vibrant digital public infrastructure where technology is viewed not as power, but as a tool to empow. He cited digital vaccination platforms during COVID-19 and the success of UPI in bridging the digital divide as examples of technology delivering inclusive outcomes.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that ethics focusing on purpose alongside profit are essential as AI adoption accelerates worldwide. He added that India’s direction on artificial intelligence is unambiguous, asserting that AI must remain a shared global resource.
“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 incorporates human values,” he said, adding that technology must move forward in tandem with human trust.
He emphasised that history shows humanity has consistently turned disruption into opportunity. “Today, we are facing a similar moment. Together, we must transform this disruption into the greatest opportunity for humankind,” he said, adding that “right action comes from right understanding.” Modi said AI should be given “an open sky”, but urged for responsible oversight.
“We have to give an open sky to AI, but at the same time, we have to keep the reins in our hands,” he said, stressing that while technology is powerful, humans must determine its direction. Highlighting India’s preparedness, the Prime Minister said the country is strengthening its compute capacity under the AI Mission.
India currently has 38,000 GPUs and plans to add 24,000 more in the next six months, providing world-class computing power to startups at affordable rates. Reiterating his call for guardrails, Modi warned that unreliable data would undermine AI outcomes.
“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,” he said, pitching for a global trusted data framework.
Source Name : Economic Times