Modi Calls for human-centric global AI governance at AI Impact Summit
Date: 2026-02-24
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
India’s
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the need for a human-centric and
inclusive approach to global artificial intelligence governance during his
address at the Leaders’ Plenary of the AI Impact Summit.
Speaking
at the summit, Modi emphasized that humanity has historically transformed
technological disruptions into opportunities, describing the rise of AI as
another pivotal moment. He called for collective global action to develop
policies and frameworks that ensure AI delivers meaningful and equitable
benefits.
Drawing
lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi highlighted the importance of
international cooperation, noting that shared challenges require unified
responses. He cautioned that while technology has the potential to drive
progress, it can also deepen divisions if not guided responsibly.
The
Prime Minister stressed that AI governance must prioritize accessibility and
inclusivity, particularly by placing the aspirations and priorities of the
Global South at the center of global policy discussions.
Addressing
the ethical dimensions of AI, Modi proposed three key measures. He advocated
for the establishment of a data framework for AI training that respects data
sovereignty, called for greater transparency in AI platform safety rules, and
reaffirmed the necessity of embedding human values in AI development and
deployment.
Modi
also outlined steps India is taking to strengthen its domestic AI ecosystem.
These include expanding GPU capacity to support innovation, providing
affordable computing power to startups, and advancing the development of
national AI resources.
According
to Modi, India has created an AI Fund through which more than 7,500 datasets
and 270 AI models have been made available as shared national assets, aimed at
accelerating research, innovation, and responsible AI adoption.
The
address reflects India’s broader push to position itself as a key player in the
evolving global AI landscape while advocating for governance models centered on
trust, ethics, and inclusive growth.
