New Delhi PM Modi's MANAV vision for AI aims for human-first rules in 2026

India's new AI vision, MANAV, was launched in New Delhi. It's a set of rules for AI that puts people first, unlike older AI plans.
By Newsroom | Technology, India |

New Delhi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a new framework for artificial intelligence, named 'MANAV,' at the Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026. This vision aims to guide the development and use of AI, emphasizing human-centric principles and global cooperation. The summit, held in New Delhi, brought together leaders and experts to discuss the future of AI and its impact on society.

At Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi unveils ‘MANAV’ vision for artificial intelligence - 1

The 'MANAV' vision, an acronym derived from the Hindi word for human, outlines core principles for AI governance. Each letter represents a key aspect: Moral and Ethical Systems, Accessible and Inclusive AI, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, and Valid and Legitimate AI. This human-centric approach seeks to ensure that AI development benefits humanity and is managed responsibly.

At Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi unveils ‘MANAV’ vision for artificial intelligence - 2

Details of the MANAV Vision

The MANAV vision breaks down as follows:

  • M - Moral and Ethical Systems: AI should be guided by ethical principles. This calls for AI systems to be developed and deployed in a manner that respects human values and avoids harm.

  • A - Accessible and Inclusive: AI should act as a tool to multiply opportunities for all, rather than creating new forms of exclusion or monopoly. The aim is for AI to benefit a wide range of people and sectors.

  • A - Accountable Governance: This principle stresses the need for clear rules, transparent processes, and robust oversight mechanisms for AI development and deployment. This ensures that AI systems can be held to account.

  • N - National Sovereignty: The vision asserts the importance of data ownership and control, framing it as "whose data, his right." This highlights the need for countries to maintain sovereignty over their data in the age of AI.

  • V - Valid and Legitimate: AI systems must operate within legal frameworks and be verifiable. This means ensuring AI technologies are lawful, reliable, and can be checked for accuracy and fairness.

A Call for Global Responsibility

Prime Minister Modi used the platform to address broader concerns about AI. He specifically highlighted the need to make online spaces safe for children, stating that "AI space should also be child safe and family guided." This emphasis on safety underscores the human-centric nature of the MANAV vision.

Read More: France President Macron wants stricter EU AI rules to protect kids under 15 from online harm

At Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi unveils ‘MANAV’ vision for artificial intelligence - 3

The Prime Minister also presented India's potential as a hub for AI development, suggesting a model of "develop in India, develop for the world." He argued that AI models capable of succeeding in India's complex environment could be effectively deployed globally, given India's young population and strong talent base.

AI as a Multiplier, Not a Monopoly

A core tenet of the MANAV vision, as articulated by Prime Minister Modi, is that AI should be a "multiplier, not a monopoly." This contrasts with the idea of AI concentrating power or benefits in the hands of a few. The goal is to democratize AI and ensure its benefits are widely shared.

This vision also emphasizes that while AI can open new possibilities, human beings must ultimately decide the direction and purpose of these advancements. "AI may open pathways, but humanity must decide the destination," was a key sentiment expressed.

Read More: MCX Stock Price Rises 113% in One Year Due to Higher Trading Volumes

Summit's Significance

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 served as a venue for international dialogue on AI governance. The event saw participation from global tech leaders and highlighted India's commitment to shaping the future of AI on a global scale. The presence of figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who thanked Prime Minister Modi for organizing the summit in the Global South, underscored the event's importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the MANAV vision for AI that PM Modi announced in New Delhi?
The MANAV vision is a new set of rules for artificial intelligence (AI) that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented in New Delhi on Tuesday. It stands for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accessible and Inclusive AI, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, and Valid and Legitimate AI. The main idea is to make sure AI is used to help people and is controlled by humans.
Q: Who is affected by the MANAV vision for AI?
This vision affects everyone who uses or will use AI. It aims to make AI safe for children, accessible to more people, and ensure countries have control over their own data. It also means AI systems should be fair and follow laws.
Q: What does 'develop in India, develop for the world' mean for AI?
Prime Minister Modi said that India can be a place where AI is created. He believes that AI made in India, which can work in India's complex situations, can also work well in other countries around the world. This could help India become a leader in AI technology.
Q: Why is the MANAV vision important for AI development?
The MANAV vision is important because it guides how AI should be built and used. It stresses that AI should help many people, not just a few, and that humans must remain in charge. It also calls for AI to be safe, fair, and follow rules, which is crucial as AI becomes more common in our lives.
Q: What was the Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026 about?
The Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026 was a meeting in New Delhi where leaders and experts talked about artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Modi used this event to share India's MANAV vision for AI. The summit was a place for global discussion on how AI should be managed responsibly.