‘Tech To Serve Humanity...’: PM Modi Explains Vision Of India’s AI Summit, Motto Meaning

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 18:55 IST

PM Modi said that AI stands at a “civilisational inflection point,” capable of expanding human capability in unprecedented ways but also posing challenges if left unguided.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that technology exists to serve humanity, not replace it.

In an exclusive interview with news agency ANI, the Prime Minister explained the vision behind India’s AI Impact Summit 2026 and its motto, “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye," saying that the guiding spirit of the summit reflects India’s civilisational philosophy.

“The guiding spirit, “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye“, reflects India’s civilisational philosophy. The end goal of technology should be ‘Welfare for All, Happiness of All’. Technology exists to serve humanity, not replace it," he said.

PM Modi further said that artificial intelligence stands at a “civilisational inflection point," capable of expanding human capability in unprecedented ways but also posing challenges if left unguided. “That is why we have deliberately framed this Summit around Impact that ensures meaningful and equitable outcomes, not just innovation," he said.

His remarks came amid the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital- the first time a global artificial intelligence gathering of this scale is being hosted in the Global South.

The Prime Minister said that the summit is structured around three pillars — People, Planet and Progress — and emphasised that AI systems draw upon knowledge and data generated across societies worldwide.

“AI systems draw upon knowledge and data generated across societies worldwide. Therefore, we want AI’s benefits to be diffused to everyone and not just hoarded by early adopters," he said.

He further said that as the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, India is creating a platform that amplifies under-represented voices and development priorities.

Highlighting India’s priorities, PM Modi said AI governance, inclusive datasets, climate applications, agricultural productivity, public health and multilingual access are central to the country’s approach.

“Our vision is clear: AI must accelerate global development while remaining deeply human-centric," he said.

India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16-20, bringing together global policymakers, technology leaders and AI innovators. The event marks the first major global AI summit to be held in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo on Monday.

The summit, which features over 300 pavilions and delegates from 60 countries, continues to host high-profile discussions on responsible AI, sovereign models like BharatGen, and the inevitable role of AI in national defence.

The summit, positioned as one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to artificial intelligence, initially struggled to cope with the sheer scale of global interest. With total registrations already surpassing 300,000, the first day saw long queues and significant delays at entry points. Participants, including startup founders, international delegates, and researchers, reported being stranded for hours as security protocols for VVIP movements—including the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—clashed with the massive public footfall.

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