PM Modi Advocates for Ethical AI Framework at Global Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address at the plenary session of the AI Impact Summit on Thursday, emphasizing the need for the global community to harness artificial intelligence as a transformative force for humanity. He articulated that the success of AI hinges on "right action" derived from "right understanding," a principle he linked to India's philosophical heritage.
'Bharat' Placard Reignites Nomenclature Debate
Beyond the Prime Minister's speech, a notable detail captured attention: the nameplate on the table where he was seated read "Bharat" instead of "India." This usage is not unprecedented; it echoes similar instances at recent high-profile events. During the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2024, a "Bharat" placard was employed, sparking extensive public discourse. Furthermore, President Droupadi Murmu's invitations to world leaders and a G20 booklet titled "Bharat, The Mother of Democracy" have also utilized "Bharat," referencing its constitutional status as the official name of the country.
Modi's Vision: Transforming Disruption into Opportunity
In his summit address, PM Modi expressed optimism that the gathering would contribute to shaping a more ethical and responsive digital future. He stated, "It is believed that this summit will play a crucial role in building a human-centric, sensitive global AI ecosystem. If we look at history, we see that humans have transformed every disruption into a new opportunity. Today, we once again face such an opportunity. Together, we must transform this disruption into humanity's biggest opportunity."
Drawing from Buddha's Teachings and Pandemic Lessons
Invoking the wisdom of Lord Buddha, PM Modi underscored the importance of clarity and timely decision-making in AI governance. He remarked, "India is the land of Buddha, and Lord Buddha said, 'Right action comes from right understanding.' Therefore, it is very important that we together create a roadmap that shows the true impact of AI. True impact comes only when one takes the right decisions at the right time with the right intention."
He also drew parallels to the collaborative efforts witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how global unity enabled breakthroughs in vaccine development, supply chains, and data sharing, demonstrating that collective action can overcome formidable challenges.
Summit Context and Global Participation
The AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted earlier in the day with an opening ceremony attended by PM Modi, marks the first global AI summit held in the Global South. The event featured addresses from French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and numerous top industry leaders worldwide. It aims to reflect on AI's transformative potential, aligning with India's national vision of "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (for the welfare and happiness of all) and the global principle of AI for Humanity.
