PM Modi Calls for Human-Centric AI Governance at G7 Summit, Urges Global Cooperation for Safe and Inclusive Technology

Evian, June 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday advocated a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence (AI) at the G7 Summit, emphasizing that the ultimate measure of technological progress lies not in the capabilities of machines but in their ability to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Addressing a high-level session titled “Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI”, PM Modi highlighted the transformative impact AI is already having across sectors and societies worldwide. While acknowledging its immense potential, he stressed that technological advancement must remain firmly rooted in human welfare, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility.

“The true success of artificial intelligence is not determined by how powerful machines become, but by how effectively they empower people,” the Prime Minister said, underlining India’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replacing it.

Modi noted that India’s approach to AI has consistently focused on people-centric development. He pointed to the AI Impact Summit hosted in New Delhi earlier this year and the country’s MANAV Vision as examples of India’s efforts to harness AI for social progress, economic inclusion, and public welfare. According to him, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to developing technology that benefits all sections of society.

The Prime Minister also referred to a recent message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who highlighted the importance of preserving human values, inclusiveness, and meaningful human oversight in the development of AI technologies. Modi said India’s vision closely aligns with these principles and supports the idea that human judgment and ethics must remain central to AI governance.

A significant part of his address focused on the safety of children in an increasingly AI-driven digital environment. Modi warned that while AI can revolutionize education, encourage creativity, and provide new learning opportunities, it can also expose young users to dangers such as misinformation, deepfake content, manipulation, and online exploitation if adequate safeguards are not established.

He stressed that the answer lies in responsible design, ethical frameworks, and robust governance mechanisms. “The digital world should become a platform for learning and innovation for children, not a space where they are vulnerable to manipulation and harm,” he remarked.

PM Modi further emphasized that cyberspace should function as a global public good and argued that access to advanced AI technologies must not be restricted to a select few nations. He called for broader and more equitable access to AI systems, especially for democratic countries seeking to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities in the face of growing digital threats.

Highlighting the need for international collaboration, the Prime Minister proposed the development of safe-by-design AI systems, common global standards, testing frameworks, and regulatory sandboxes that would allow innovation and governance to advance simultaneously.

He also urged countries to work together to combat emerging challenges such as deepfakes, cyber fraud, and the spread of disinformation. According to Modi, coordinated global action is essential to ensure trust and security in the digital ecosystem.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister stressed that the benefits of AI must reach developing nations and the Global South. He said the world must ensure that artificial intelligence becomes a force for inclusion, opportunity, and shared prosperity rather than creating new technological divides.

His address reinforced India’s growing role in shaping global conversations on responsible AI development and highlighted the country’s vision of technology that is ethical, accessible, and centered on human progress.