PM Modi Unveils MANAV Vision, Calls for Democratisation of AI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s vision for a human-centric artificial intelligence ecosystem at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, calling for the democratisation of AI and warning against technology reducing humans to mere data points.

Addressing global leaders, policymakers and technology executives, the Prime minister stressed that artificial intelligence must evolve as a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for developing nations and the Global South.

“We must democratise AI. It must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment,” he said, emphasising that technology should serve humanity rather than control it.

MANAV framework for AI governance

During his address, the Prime minister introduced the MANAV framework, a governance model designed to ensure ethical, accountable and inclusive AI development.

M – Moral and Ethical Systems: AI must be guided by ethics and moral responsibility.
A – Accountable Governance: Transparent oversight and clear rules should ensure accountability.
N – National Data Sovereignty: Data generated within a country should remain under its jurisdiction.
A – Accessible and Inclusive: AI should benefit all sections of society and prevent technological monopolies.
V – Valid and Legitimate: AI systems must be lawful, reliable and verifiable under the rule of law.

He described the MANAV vision as a framework that can support global welfare in an AI-driven world.

Human-centric approach to technology

The Prime minister emphasised that the focus should be on making AI human-centric rather than AI-centric. He warned that humans must not become “raw material” in the AI era and said welfare and collective happiness should remain the benchmark for technological progress.

He also highlighted the transformative power of AI, comparing its impact to major turning points in human civilisation, including the discovery of fire and the invention of written communication.

According to him, AI is reshaping economies and societies at unprecedented speed, requiring thoughtful governance and global cooperation.

Global participation and inclusive growth

The summit has drawn participation from more than 100 countries, global institutions and leading technology figures, including Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai and Jensen Huang.

As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event underscores the growing role of developing nations in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

The Prime minister noted the strong presence of young innovators and entrepreneurs, highlighting their role in driving technological transformation and adopting emerging tools despite early scepticism.

AI as a force for global welfare

He stressed that AI’s transformative potential can either disrupt societies or help solve global challenges, depending on how it is governed and deployed.

The summit, themed “Welfare for All, Happiness for All,” focuses on responsible AI use, international cooperation and inclusive technological growth.

With the MANAV framework, India aims to shape global conversations around ethical AI and ensure that technological progress remains aligned with human values and social well-being.