New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, presenting an optimistic yet pragmatic vision for the future of work in an AI-driven world.
The summit described as the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South brought together representatives from 118 countries, global tech leaders, policymakers, and industry captains. Among the prominent attendees were OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani.
AI and the Future of Work
Addressing widespread concerns about job displacement, Modi drew parallels with earlier technological revolutions.
“Decades ago, when the internet started, no one could have imagined how many jobs it would create. The same is true for AI,” he said, adding that the future of work will depend on policy decisions, governance frameworks, and collective action.
He emphasized that AI should not be viewed as an existential threat to employment but as a transformative force capable of generating new industries, roles, and collaborations. “This is the era of humans and intelligent systems working together,” he stated.
Democratizing AI
Modi stressed that AI must not reduce individuals to “mere raw material” or “data points.” Instead, he called for democratizing AI making it accessible, inclusive, and human-centric so its benefits reach all sections of society.
The ‘MAANAV’ Vision
Reiterating India’s framework for trusted AI, Modi outlined the ‘MAANAV’ vision:
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M – Moral foundations
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A – Accountable governance
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A – National and inclusive priorities
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V – Verified and lawful systems
He urged global cooperation to prevent “directionless” AI development and warned against the destabilizing potential of deepfakes and unregulated digital content.
India’s AI Ambition
The Prime Minister also set an ambitious target: positioning India among the world’s top three AI superpowers by 2047. He envisioned indigenous AI models serving billions in native languages, startups reaching hundreds of billions in valuation, and the creation of millions of high-quality jobs.
Highlighting the country’s progress, he noted that three Indian firms launched AI models and applications during the summit — a testament to India’s youthful talent and expanding innovation ecosystem.
A Human-Centric Message
Modi’s speech resonated strongly in 2026, as automation and AI integration reshape global industries. By invoking the internet revolution which initially sparked job-loss fears but ultimately generated vast employment opportunities — he reframed AI as a catalyst for reinvention rather than displacement.
“The future of work will be inclusive, trusted, and human-centric,” he declared. “If we move forward together, artificial intelligence will elevate the human experience.”
As the summit concluded, the Prime Minister’s message was clear: with ethical governance, inclusive access, and investment in skills, AI can multiply possibilities. For India and the world, he said, the choice is not between fear and progress but between hesitation and leadership.
