New Delhi, Feb 19 – In a call for democratizing AI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the ‘MANAV’ vision, emphasizing a human-centric approach and the use of this rapidly emerging technology, with a strong focus on sovereignty and inclusivity.
Addressing the AI Impact Summit, he stated that India believes AI will truly benefit the world when it is shared and its codes are open, asserting that the country sees AI as a source of opportunity and a blueprint for the future.
He stressed that ensuring the welfare and happiness of all is the benchmark for AI, to prevent humans from being reduced to mere data or raw materials.
"I present the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI, where M stands for moral and ethical systems, A for accountable governance, N for national sovereignty, A for accessible and inclusive, and V for valid and legitimate," Modi said.
Key figures present at the Summit included UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and CEOs of leading technology companies from around the world.
Modi stated that India's MANAV vision will be a crucial link for humanity's welfare in the 21st century, driven by AI.
He emphasized that AI must be given an open platform, but human control must remain paramount.
Citing GPS as an example, the Prime Minister said the navigation tool provides directions, but the final decision rests with the user.
"The direction humanity takes with AI today will determine our future," Modi said.
Emphasizing the importance of child safety, the Prime Minister said, just as school syllabi are curated, the AI space must also be child-safe and guided by families.
"Today, there are two types of people – those who fear AI and those who see its potential. India sees the potential and future in AI, backed by talent, energy capacity, and policy clarity," Modi said.
The Prime Minister also noted that three Indian companies had launched their AI models and apps during the Summit, reflecting the talent of the youth and showcasing the depth and diversity of solutions that India contributes to the global AI landscape.
"AI will make our systems smarter, more efficient, and more impactful. It will open more opportunities for people to take on creative roles. It is a major opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of new industries," he said at the event attended by world leaders and CEOs of leading companies.
"Some countries believe that AI should be developed in a confidential and closed manner. But India is different. We believe AI will truly serve the good of the world when it is shared and its codes are open. Only then will millions of young minds be able to further improve it," he said.
He said the expo is being held in India, which represents one-sixth of humanity and a country with the world's largest young population and a hub of the largest tech talent pool.
"Artificial intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history. India is not just a part of the AI revolution, but is leading and shaping it," he said.
The Prime Minister said that India not only builds technology but also adopts it at an unprecedented pace.
"Some people have doubts about new technology. But the way the younger generation is embracing AI is unprecedented. There has also been tremendous enthusiasm here regarding the AI Summit exhibition," he said.
"In the course of human history, there have been certain turning points that shaped entire centuries. These turning points set the direction of civilization and transform the pace of development. Artificial intelligence is one such transformation in history," he noted.
Modi said that India builds new technology and also adapts it rapidly, but the real question is not what AI can do in the future, "it is what we can do with AI in the present".
He said that AI is a transformative power; if it strays away from its goals, it will lead to destruction, and if used well, it will provide solutions.
"Ensuring the welfare and happiness of all is our benchmark for AI to ensure that humans don't become mere data points or raw materials. We must democratize AI. We must give AI an open platform, but at the same time, we must keep control in our hands," he said.
The Prime Minister said that AI is making machines intelligent and at the same time, it is multiplying human capabilities many times over.
India's perspective on AI is reflected in the theme of this summit, which is welfare and happiness for all, he said.
Modi said that the present journey from machine learning to learning machine is not only rapid, but also profound and extensive.
"Therefore, we must keep our vision grand and fulfil our responsibility with equal magnitude. Along with the present generation, we must also be concerned about what form of AI we will hand over to the coming generations," he said.
"It must be made a means of inclusion and empowerment, and especially in the Global South," he said.
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Estonia President Alar Karis, and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo were among others at the event.