New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the plenary session of the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit, calling on the global community to transform the current technological disruption into the greatest opportunity for humanity.Addressing the plenary session, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the summit will help shape a more ethical and responsive digital future.
PM Modi pushes human-centric AI model, launches MANAV framework at Mega AI Impact Summit 2026
Aside from his title, what also stood out was the name plate on the table he was sitting behind.Instead of the word “India”, the sign read “Bharat”.This is not the first time that the name “Bharat” has been used for the country on official international occasions.During the G20 summit held in New Delhi in 2024, the “Bharat” banner was used, sparking widespread controversy.
In addition, the word “India” was replaced by “Bharat” in President Draupadi Murmu’s invitation to world leaders.The word ‘Bharat’ was also used in the G20 booklet for foreign delegates titled ‘Bharat, Mother of Democracy’. The booklet said: “Bharat is the official name of the country. It is mentioned in the Constitution as well as in the debates of 1946-48.”“Right action comes from right understanding.”“It is believed that this summit will play a crucial role in building a human-centered global AI ecosystem.
If we look at history, we see that humans have turned every disruption into a new opportunity. Today, we once again face such an opportunity. “Together, we must turn this disruption into the greatest opportunity for humanity,” Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the plenary session.Recalling the teachings of Lord Buddha, PM Modi emphasized the importance of clarity and timely decision-making in AI governance.“India is the land of Buddha, and Lord Buddha said: ‘Right action comes from right understanding.’”
Therefore, it is very important that together we create a roadmap that demonstrates the true impact of AI. He pointed out that real impact only comes when one makes the right decisions at the right time with the right intention.In parallel with the recent global challenges, the Prime Minister highlighted the collaborative response during the COVID-19 pandemic.“During the global Covid pandemic, the world saw that when we stand together, even the impossible becomes possible.
From developing vaccines to supply chains, from sharing data to saving lives, collaboration has provided solutions.Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister participated in the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He also addressed the event before French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and several senior industry leaders from around the world.The first Global AI Summit hosted in the Global South reflects the transformative potential of AI, in line with the national vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” and the Global Principle of AI for Humanity.
