In a landmark address at the inauguration of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi positioned artificial intelligence as one of history’s most significant upheavals for human society. ‘Today’s AI insights are merely the opening chapter of its full revolutionary potential,’ he remarked on Thursday.
The event at Bharat Mandapam draws global attention as the largest AI summit ever hosted in a nation representing a sixth of humanity. Modi spotlighted India’s advantages: its youthful population, vast tech talent reserves, and dynamic tech ecosystem that excels in both creating and swiftly integrating cutting-edge tools.
With 1.4 billion citizens ready to dive into tech adoption, the PM welcomed international heads of state, AI leaders, and innovators. Youth turnout at the summit, he noted, signals rising optimism and capability.
Modi reflected on how early doubts about new tech fade against the backdrop of worldwide youth embracing AI with remarkable speed and trust. The exhibition’s highlights – indigenous solutions for farming, national security, support for disabled individuals, and handling diverse languages – exemplify ‘Made in India’ strength and India’s AI leadership.
Beyond empowering machines, AI exponentially boosts human abilities, Modi argued. He warned of its dual nature: unregulated, it disrupts; directed wisely, it solves. Drawing a parallel to GPS navigation, he said AI provides directions while humans retain decision-making authority. Humanity’s steering of AI today shapes tomorrow’s world.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister foresaw AI unlocking premium jobs focused on creativity and purpose, fueling startups, and birthing industries. He called for nationwide drives in upskilling and continuous education. An inclusive, reliable, human-focused work paradigm awaits, where collective progress propels AI to amplify human achievement like never before.