New Delhi, February 19 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam today, declaring artificial intelligence (AI) a pivotal shift comparable to the greatest transformations in human civilization. ‘What we see and speculate about AI today is just the initial glimpse of its profound impact,’ Modi emphasized.
Highlighting India’s unique position, the Prime Minister noted that the summit represents one-sixth of the global population. As home to the world’s largest youth demographic, a massive technology talent pool, and a rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, India not only innovates but adopts new technologies at unprecedented speeds.
Over 1.4 billion Indians are eager to embrace these advancements, Modi said, extending a warm welcome to world leaders, AI pioneers, and innovators attending the event. He particularly praised the significant participation of young people, which he said instills a fresh sense of confidence.
Initial skepticism toward emerging technologies is natural, but the rapid and enthusiastic adoption by global youth marks a historic moment, according to Modi. The summit’s exhibition, showcasing ‘Made in India’ solutions in agriculture, security, assistive tech for the differently-abled, and multilingual applications, underscores India’s innovative prowess in AI.
‘AI is making machines smarter, but more crucially, it amplifies human potential manifold,’ the PM stated. He cautioned that AI is a transformative power: left undirected, it breeds chaos; guided properly, it delivers solutions. ‘AI needs open skies but human control at the helm,’ he asserted, likening it to GPS – it suggests paths, but humans make the final call.
Modi envisioned AI opening doors to high-value, creative jobs, spurring innovation, entrepreneurship, and new industries. He stressed transforming skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning into a mass movement. The future of work, he predicted, will be inclusive, trustworthy, and human-centric. If humanity unites, AI will elevate human capabilities to new heights.