Addressing the third day of the India AI Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described artificial intelligence as a defining force of the 21st century and positioned India as a central player in shaping its future. He emphasized that the country is not merely adopting AI technologies but actively contributing to global innovation through research, talent, and scalable digital solutions.

The Prime Minister noted that India’s digital public infrastructure, including platforms that have successfully reached hundreds of millions of citizens, provides a strong foundation for AI-powered services across governance, healthcare, education, and finance.

From Digital India to AI-Driven Growth

Highlighting the journey from Digital India to an AI-powered economy, PM Modi stated that the nation’s rapid digitization over the past decade has created fertile ground for artificial intelligence adoption. He pointed to the growth of India’s startup ecosystem, which has increasingly focused on AI-based applications ranging from fintech and agritech to language technologies.

He also stressed that India’s diverse data ecosystem and multilingual population create unique opportunities for developing inclusive AI models tailored to local and global markets.

Responsible and Ethical AI Development

A key theme of the Prime Minister’s address was responsible AI. He reiterated that innovation must be accompanied by ethical safeguards, transparency, and accountability. India, he said, aims to build AI systems that are inclusive, secure, and trustworthy.

The government’s efforts to establish regulatory frameworks, encourage research collaborations, and promote skill development were highlighted as crucial pillars in ensuring AI benefits society at large without compromising safety or privacy.

AI for Social Transformation

PM Modi underscored AI’s potential to transform critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare diagnostics, disaster management, and smart infrastructure. He cited examples of AI being used to improve crop yields, optimize resource allocation, and enhance early disease detection.

According to the Prime Minister, artificial intelligence should be seen not just as an economic tool but as a social enabler capable of bridging inequalities and improving quality of life across rural and urban communities.

Global Partnerships and Talent Advantage

The summit also focused on international collaboration. PM Modi invited global tech leaders, researchers, and investors to partner with India in building next-generation AI solutions. He emphasized India’s demographic dividend, calling its youth population one of the country’s greatest strengths in driving AI innovation.

India’s growing pool of engineers, data scientists, and AI researchers was highlighted as a strategic advantage in competing on the global stage.

Industry Leaders Echo Optimism

Industry executives and policymakers attending the summit echoed the Prime Minister’s optimism. Discussions on Day 3 revolved around AI governance models, semiconductor ecosystems, computing infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.

Experts agreed that India’s balanced approach—combining innovation with regulation—could serve as a model for emerging economies navigating the AI transition.

Looking Ahead

As the India AI Summit 2026 moves toward its conclusion, the focus remains on translating policy vision into practical implementation. With strong government backing, a thriving startup culture, and increasing global interest, India appears poised to play a significant role in the next wave of AI-driven transformation.