Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, from healthcare and education to transportation and governance. But as technology advances at breakneck speed, questions about ethics, accountability, and human welfare have never been more urgent.
Addressing the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a visionary framework called MANAV, emphasizing that AI must remain a tool for human benefit, not a force of uncontrolled change. His message was clear: while AI has immense potential, its direction must be guided by human values, ethics, and responsibility.
The M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI. pic.twitter.com/NVmxQ8bXq6
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 19, 2026
AI: A Transformative Force with Responsibility
Prime Minister Modi reminded the global community that AI is a double-edged sword. “AI is a transformative power. If it goes directionless, it will cause destruction; if it goes in the correct direction, it will become a solution,” he said.
He drew parallels with historical technological breakthroughs like nuclear energy, noting that while such innovations have tremendous potential for good, they can also bring destruction if misused.
In this context, MANAV emerges as India’s blueprint for AI development — a framework designed to ensure that innovation serves humanity rather than undermines it.
The MANAV Framework
MANAV, which translates to “human” in Hindi, lays out five pillars for a responsible AI ecosystem:
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M – Moral & Ethical Systems: AI must be guided by ethics, respect human values, and operate with moral responsibility.
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A – Accountable Governance: Transparent rules, robust oversight, and national sovereignty are essential. Data ownership must guarantee rights to its creators.
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N – Accessible and Inclusive: AI should not become monopolized but act as a multiplier of opportunities for all sections of society.
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A – Valued and Legitimate: AI must be lawful, trustworthy, and socially accepted, fostering credibility and social license.
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V – Vision for Humanity: The ultimate purpose of AI must be human welfare, ensuring that technology enhances life rather than replaces human judgment.
According to PM Modi, this framework positions India to lead globally, not just in AI innovation but in ethical and inclusive implementation.
Openness and Transparency: The Global Imperative
Transparency was another key focus. Quoting the proverb, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant,” the Prime Minister stressed that AI’s power should not be confined behind closed doors.
“AI will serve global interests only when it is shared, when codes are open, and innovation is collective. Millions of young minds can make it better and safer,” he said.
India envisions AI as a global common good, where collaboration, openness, and ethical sharing of technology take precedence over secrecy and strategic hoarding.
Safeguarding Against Emerging Risks
With AI’s rapid growth comes new challenges. PM Modi highlighted critical areas needing attention:
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Deepfakes and Digital Misinformation: Just as food carries labels to ensure transparency, digital content should carry authenticity markers. AI-generated text, images, and videos must be clearly identifiable to build trust in the digital ecosystem.
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Child Safety: AI systems must be child-safe, with family- and education-oriented protections, similar to curated school curricula.
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Accountable Oversight: Ensuring AI governance at national and global levels to mitigate misuse and protect societies from unintended consequences.
India’s Perspective: Opportunity Over Fear
PM Modi urged a positive and proactive approach to AI. “There are two kinds of people in the world today. One sees fear in AI. The other sees fortune in AI. India does not see fear; India sees opportunity,” he declared.
This perspective emphasizes that AI is a tool — and like all tools, it is human intention and governance that determine its impact. India’s MANAV vision encourages nations to embrace AI responsibly, harness its potential, and safeguard humanity at the same time.
Shaping the Future: A Human-Centric AI Era
The MANAV framework represents more than a policy approach; it is a philosophical shift. It challenges governments, corporations, and citizens to ask not just what AI can do, but what AI should do.
By combining ethics, accountability, inclusivity, legality, and human welfare, India aims to shape a world where technology is a servant of humanity, not its master.
As AI becomes increasingly integral to our lives, the MANAV vision reminds us that machines may learn, but humans must lead. Responsible AI, guided by human values, is no longer optional — it is essential.
Key Takeaways: MANAV and the Global AI Agenda
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Ethics First: Every AI system should respect human dignity and values.
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Transparency Matters: Open-source development ensures collective improvement and accountability.
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Inclusivity is Critical: AI should empower, not monopolize.
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Child and Society Safety: Regulations must protect vulnerable populations and safeguard truth.
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Global Cooperation: AI is a shared responsibility — nations must establish universal norms and standards.
The 2026 India-AI Summit highlighted that the future of AI is not just about technological breakthroughs but about the choices humanity makes today. Through MANAV, India proposes a roadmap for ethically grounded, human-focused, and globally cooperative AI development.