Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed India’s emerging leadership in artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the country is establishing a global benchmark rooted in the philosophy of “happiness for all, welfare for all.” Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Modi introduced the nation’s MANAV vision, a framework that emphasizes ethical AI, inclusivity, and the protection of data rights.

The Prime Minister explained that MANAV, which means “human” in Hindi, is an acronym where M stands for moral and ethical systems, A for accountable governance, N for national sovereignty, the second A for accessibility and inclusivity, and V for validity and legitimacy. He said this framework positions India to shape AI development in a way that benefits humanity globally.

Modi highlighted India’s youth-driven technology ecosystem, pointing out that the country is home to the world’s largest young population and an expanding talent pool in AI and digital technologies. “Three Indian companies have launched AI models that demonstrate the ingenuity of our youth and the solutions India is contributing to the world,” he noted.

He stressed that India’s approach to AI differs from countries that favor closed, confidential systems. Modi advocated for open AI frameworks, allowing millions of young minds to build upon and enhance these technologies. “AI will truly serve the world’s good when it is shared, transparent, and open for collaborative improvement,” he said.

Modi also reflected on the transformative potential of AI for the economy and workforce. He described a future where human intelligence and digital intelligence co-create, resulting in smarter, more efficient systems. This evolution, he said, will generate new opportunities for creative work, entrepreneurship, and the birth of entirely new industries.