Prime Minister Unveils ‘MANAV’ Vision for Human-Centric AI at Global Summit

PTI, Feb 19, 2026, New Delhi : Making a pitch for democratising AI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the 'MANAV' vision for a human-centric approach and use of the fast emerging technology with a strong accent on sovereignty and inclusivity.

Inaugurating the AI Impact Summit here, Modi said India believes that artificial intelligence will truly serve the good of the world when it is shared and its codes are open, asserting that the country does not fear AI but sees a fortune in it and a blueprint of tomorrow.

Welfare and happiness of all is "our benchmark" for AI to ensure that humans don't become a data point or raw material, he stressed.

"I present the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI where M stands for moral and ethical systems, A for accountable governance, N for national sovereignty, A for accessible and inclusive, V for valid and legitimate," Modi said.

Global leaders, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and CEOs from leading technology companies from around the world were among those present at the Summit.

The Prime Minister said India's MANAV vision will become a crucial link for humanity's welfare in the AI-driven world of the 21st century.

AI, he said, must be given an open sky, but command must remain in human hands.

Citing the example of GPS, the Prime Minister said the navigation tool gives suggestions on directions to take, but the final decision is that of the user.

"The direction in which humanity takes AI today will determine our future," Modi said.

Emphasising the importance of child safety, the Prime Minister said just as school syllabi are curated, the AI space must also be child-safe and family-guided.

"Today, there are two kinds of people - those who see fear in AI and those who see fortune. India sees fortune and future in AI, backed by talent, energy capacity, and policy clarity," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also noted that three Indian companies launched their AI models and apps during the Summit, which reflect the talent of the youth and showcase the depth and diversity of solutions that India contributes to the global AI landscape.