AI Summit 2026: PM Modi Calls for Responsible AI Roadmap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on global leaders to work together on a roadmap to ensure the responsible impact of artificial intelligence (AI), as he addressed the Leaders’ Plenary Session at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, marks the first AI summit hosted in the Global South. Previous editions were organised in the United Kingdom, South Korea and France.

PM Modi’s Call for Responsible AI

In his address, the Prime Minister said AI presents both opportunity and responsibility. He urged nations to collaborate in shaping frameworks that ensure the technology benefits humanity.

“We should come together to create a roadmap for responsible impact of AI,” he said, adding that history shows humanity has turned disruptions into opportunities for progress.

He also introduced the “MANAV” vision for AI, outlining principles such as moral and ethical systems, accountable governance, national sovereignty, accessibility and legitimacy.

Modi emphasised the need to democratise AI and ensure that its development is aligned with human welfare.

Global Leaders Weigh In

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the world “urgently” needs AI regulation and suggested the possibility of an international coordinating body, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency. He added that democratising AI is essential to ensure its benefits are widely shared.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said India is well positioned to become a global AI powerhouse.

Microsoft Vice Chairman Brad Smith highlighted the need to use AI to address challenges in the Global South.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced that Jio and Reliance plan to invest ₹10 lakh crore over the next seven years to build AI infrastructure. He predicted that India would emerge as a major AI power in the 21st century.

Wipro Executive Chairman Rishad Premji described AI as a “once-in-a-generation” technology that will reshape industries.

International Participation

French President Emmanuel Macron called for stronger safeguards against digital abuse and social media risks, particularly for children. He also praised India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), describing it as a system unmatched globally.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed India’s role in hosting the first AI summit in the Global South and stressed that AI must remain accessible and not be controlled by a few countries or corporations.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in a video message, called for the creation of “safe, secure and trustworthy” AI systems.

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie highlighted the importance of human capital in leveraging AI for governance and economic diversification.

Summit Highlights

The event has drawn participation from global technology leaders, policymakers and industry executives. Sessions on Day 4 include keynote addresses by leading CEOs and discussions on inclusive AI governance.

Traffic disruptions were reported in parts of Delhi due to security arrangements and VIP movements around the venue.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who was earlier scheduled to speak, did not attend the summit. His foundation said the decision was taken to keep focus on the summit’s priorities.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues to focus on regulation, innovation and inclusive growth as nations debate how to harness AI’s transformative potential responsibly.