Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched India's 'MANAV Vision' for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, setting out a comprehensive ethical framework and guiding doctrine aimed at shaping responsible AI development globally.
During his keynote address, PM Modi said that the MANAV Vision — the acronym deriving from the Hindi word for "human" — is a human-first blueprint to ensure AI serves humanity's welfare in the 21st century, balancing rapid innovation with moral responsibility, accountability, and inclusivity.
The Manav Vision outlines five core principles to govern AI development and use.
M - Moral & Ethical Systems: AI development must be rooted in ethical guidance to prioritize human dignity and societal wellbeing.
A - Accountable Governance: Clear, transparent rules and robust oversight mechanisms are essential to build trust and mitigate misuse.
N - National Sovereignty: Data generated within a country should remain under its control, emphasizing data rights and sovereignty to protect national interests and prevent exploitation, particularly for developing nations.
A - Accessible & Inclusive: AI should democratise opportunities, acting as an enabler for the marginalised and Global South, fostering inclusive innovation rather than elite control.
V - Valid & Legitimate: AI must be lawful, verifiable, and compliant with regulations to ensure authenticity, combat deepfakes, and maintain societal stability.
PM Modi emphasised that the MANAV framework would serve as a "crucial link for humanity's welfare in the AI-driven world", urging global collaboration on principles like human oversight, child safety, authenticity labeling or watermarking, and prohibitions on malicious uses.
The announcement aligns with broader initiatives like the IndiaAI Safety Institute, a dedicated body to ensure the ethical, safe, and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
At least 20 heads of state and governments attended the Summit, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva, French President Emmanuel Macron, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and others.