PM Modi Advocates for India as a Leading AI Superpower at Summit

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced in New Delhi, gathering heads of state, ministers, and technology leaders to discuss the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the summit's motto, "Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye," which translates to "Welfare for all, happiness for all." This guiding principle reflects India's commitment to ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replacing it.

In an exclusive interview with the Asian News International (ANI), Prime Minister Modi articulated the importance of AI in shaping India’s future and affecting global development. He stated, "AI stands at a civilisational inflection point. It has the potential to expand human capabilities significantly but could also challenge existing social foundations if not guided responsibly."

The summit marks a historic moment, being the first global AI gathering in the Global South. PM Modi emphasised that AI should focus on producing meaningful and equitable outcomes, not merely technological advancement. He remarked that AI systems must be developed so that their benefits are accessible globally, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.

In addressing the potential impact of AI on employment, PM Modi acknowledged public concerns. He asserted that while some jobs may be redefined, the digital transformation brought by AI would also generate new opportunities. He remarked, "The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We are treating this as a present imperative rather than a future problem."

The Prime Minister's vision for AI also intersects with India's aspirations for economic empowerment, encapsulated in the concept of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for India to be a developed nation by its centenary year of independence. He noted that AI could address significant developmental challenges and enable inclusion across sectors such as healthcare and education.

Regarding the types of AI applications being explored, PM Modi highlighted several initiatives. In healthcare, AI is facilitating early detection of diseases like tuberculosis and diabetic retinopathy. In education, personalised learning programmes in local languages are helping students in underserved areas. He also cited efforts in agriculture, noting the Bharat Vistaar initiative that integrates AI into soil analytics and crop advisories, thus helping farmers make informed decisions.

Though acknowledging that the risks associated with AI, such as bias and limitations, remain relevant, he asserted that India's diverse context requires a focused approach to developing inclusive datasets. This initiative is vital since AI systems trained on non-representative data can lead to inadequate outcomes for rural users or speakers of indigenous languages.

To ensure that India's digital public infrastructure complements AI, PM Modi stressed sharing crucial lessons with other nations in the Global South. He pointed out that effective governance of AI technologies needs to incorporate local concerns and societal realities, which distinguishes India's approach from others.

Moreover, the Prime Minister expressed his hope that India would emerge as one of the world's top three AI superpowers. He stated, "Our journey towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat—a self-reliant India—emphasises that we must not only consume technology but also create it."

As industries brace for an AI-driven future, major corporations, including Reliance and Adani Group, are targeting young engineers and data scientists to bolster their capabilities in AI. This hiring initiative coincides with significant global investment in AI, highlighting India's growing status as a focal point for AI development.

The insights and commitments made during the summit indicate a significant shift in how India intends to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, prioritising human-centric and inclusive growth for its citizens.