‘We have talent to become AI powerhouse’

Artificial Intelligence represents a “transformative opportunity” in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, asserting that the country is leveraging AI not to deepen divides but to bridge them by expanding access to opportunity.

- Asian News International

Edited excerpts:India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 for the first time anywhere in the Global South. The motto of the summit is “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye” (Welfare for all, happiness of all). What's the vision of this summit, and why this motto?

Today, AI stands at a civilisational inflection point. It can expand human capability in unprecedented ways, but it can also test existing social foundations if left unguided. That is why we have deliberately framed this summit around Impact that ensures meaningful and equitable outcomes, not just innovation.

The guiding spirit, “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye”, reflects India’s civilisational philosophy. The end goal of technology should be ‘Welfare for All, Happiness of All’. Technology exists to serve humanity, not replace it.

The summit is structured around People, Planet and Progress. AI systems draw upon knowledge and data generated across societies worldwide. Therefore, we want AI's benefits to be diffused to everyone and not just hoarded by early adopters.

As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, India is creating a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices and development priorities.

AI governance, inclusive datasets, climate applications, agricultural productivity, public health, and multilingual access are not peripheral issues for us. They are central. Our vision is clear: AI must accelerate global development while remaining deeply human-centric.

How do you see AI's role in Viksit Bharat 2047?

AI represents a transformative opportunity in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Leveraging AI mindfully, with a strategic lens, helps address deep developmental challenges while creating entirely new economic opportunities, enabling inclusive growth, bridging the urban-rural divide and expanding access to opportunity.