Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India’s vision for the responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) while addressing the G7 Summit session on “Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI” in France on Wednesday. During his speech, he stressed the need for a human-centric approach to AI and highlighted the importance of ensuring that technological progress benefits people across the world.

Speaking about the growing impact of AI, PM Modi said the technology has already influenced nearly every aspect of human life. He noted that the real success of AI should not be judged by the capabilities of machines alone. Instead, its value should be measured by how much it improves the lives of ordinary people. He said, “AI’s transformative potential is widely known, having touched all aspects of human life. However, the true test of AI is not how powerful our machines become. Its real test lies in how much it empowers ordinary human beings."

The Prime Minister outlined four major suggestions for the safe and inclusive development of AI. He called for the promotion of safe-by-design AI systems so that safety becomes a core part of the technology from the beginning. He also stressed the need for common standards, testing frameworks and regulatory sandboxes. According to him, such measures would allow innovation and governance to progress together rather than being treated as separate goals.

PM Modi further highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to tackle challenges such as deepfakes, misinformation and cyber fraud. He said these issues have become increasingly serious as AI tools become more advanced and widely accessible. He also urged the global community to ensure that the benefits of AI reach developing nations and countries of the Global South. According to him, AI should become a tool for inclusion and progress rather than creating new divisions between nations.

During his address, the Prime Minister said India’s commitment to responsible AI development is reflected through several initiatives undertaken by the country. He referred to the AI Impact Summit organised in Delhi earlier this year and mentioned India’s MANAV Vision as examples of the country’s efforts to guide AI development in a responsible and people-focused manner.

PM Modi also referred to recent remarks made by Pope Leo XIV regarding the future of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the Pope’s emphasis on human values, inclusivity and meaningful human control over technology. Drawing a connection between those views and India’s approach, the Prime Minister said, “Recently, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke about the importance of human values, inclusivity and meaningful human control as the foundation for the development of AI. India’s vision for AI aligns with this message of His Holiness the Pope."

A significant part of the Prime Minister’s speech focused on the safety of children in the digital age. He warned that while AI can be a powerful educational tool and can help improve creativity among young users, it can also expose them to harmful content and risks if proper safeguards are not in place.

Emphasising the importance of child protection, PM Modi said, “I firmly believe that ensuring safety for children while rolling out AI is of utmost importance. Without proper standards, the same AI which can educate children and enhance their creativity can also expose them to misinformation, deepfakes and exploitation."

He said that addressing these concerns requires a strong foundation built on values, thoughtful design and effective governance. Stressing the need for responsible deployment of technology, he added, “The solution lies in value systems, design and governance. We must ensure that the digital space becomes a playground for learning for children, not a tool for manipulation."

The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of making AI technologies accessible to a wider range of countries. He said equitable access is especially important at a time when cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. According to him, democratic nations should have access to advanced AI tools that can help protect critical information systems and strengthen cybersecurity efforts.

Speaking on this issue, PM Modi said, “India firmly believes that cyberspace has to be one that furthers the global public good. Access to AI technologies must also be broad and inclusive."

He further added, “All democratic countries should have access to such AI models so that they can protect their critical information infrastructure and respond effectively to growing cyber threats."

The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when countries around the world are actively debating the future of AI governance. Discussions on regulation, innovation, safety and inclusivity continue to shape international policy conversations. Through his address at the G7 Summit, PM Modi highlighted India’s position that AI should be developed responsibly, governed effectively and made accessible to all, while ensuring that human values remain at the centre of technological progress.