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The core of the Prime Minister’s argument is that for AI to be a ‘force for good’, it must operate within a shared ethical framework that transcends national borders
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is leading by example through the IndiaAI Safety Institute.
With the India AI Impact Summit 2026 ongoing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated a definitive shift in the global discourse on technology governance. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence through a lens of unrestrained competition or fear, in an interview with ANI the Prime Minister advocated for a Global Compact on AI anchored in “common principles”. This vision draws a sophisticated parallel between AI and other critical global infrastructures—like aviation and shipping—where international safety standards are the bedrock of global trust and operational continuity.
The core of the Prime Minister’s argument is that for AI to be a “force for good”, it must operate within a shared ethical framework that transcends national borders. This is not merely about regulation, but about creating a global “safety culture” similar to that of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). India’s proposed framework for these common principles is rooted in the Seven Guiding Sutras of AI governance, which prioritise human-centric progress over purely technological milestones.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is leading by example through the IndiaAI Safety Institute, which was established in January 2025 as a dedicated mechanism for ethical deployment. By addressing local risks—such as deepfakes targeting women or misinformation in regional languages—India is creating a “risk assessment framework” that can serve as a template for the Global South. This approach ensures that safeguards like watermarking of AI-generated content and strict prohibitions on synthetic media for crime are not just national mandates but the start of a universal standard.
The call for a Global Compact is a strategic move to ensure that the “democratisation” of AI becomes a reality. Just as common standards in maritime shipping allow every nation to participate in global trade safely, common AI standards would allow developing nations to innovate without the risk of “AI colonialism”. By championing the motto “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye” (Welfare for all, happiness of all), India is positioning itself as the bridge between the high-tech innovations of the North and the developmental needs of the South, advocating for a world where AI remains a servant of human dignity rather than an instrument of control.
February 17, 2026, 22:21 IST
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