AI must focus on human welfare; PM Modi calls for joint framework for responsible AI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on world leaders to prepare a joint framework for responsible artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed that AI must focus on human welfare and operate under clear ethical guidelines, combining technology with human values. Modi said India is not just participating in the AI revolution but leading it.

Modi was speaking during the plenary session of the AI summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Thursday. While inaugurating the summit in the morning, he said AI is a crucial chapter in the era of transformation.

“India is the land of Shree Buddha. ‘Right action comes from the right understanding.’ Decisions taken at the right time yield accurate results. These words of the Buddha are relevant even today,” Modi said. He also highlighted how countries came together during COVID-19, showing that the impossible can become possible through collaboration.

The plenary session was attended by leaders from 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Estonian President Alar Karis, along with ministerial delegations from over 60 countries.

India’s 'MANAV' approach to AI

To harness AI responsibly, Modi presented India’s “MANAV” (M.A.N.A.V) vision:

M: Base of ethics and dharma
A: Transparent laws and strong oversight
N: Data related to national sovereignty belongs to its rightful owners
A: AI must not be monopolised or exploited
V: Operations must be legal and subject to audits

Transparency is important
Modi stressed that transparency is critical. Unlike some countries and companies that develop AI in secrecy, India believes AI benefits the world only when shared openly. Transparency, he said, is the greatest safeguard.

'Bharat' board yet again
Notably, the board behind Modi during the plenary session read “Bharat” instead of “India.” The same board had been used at the G20 summit in Delhi in 2024.