PM Modi Champions AI for Inclusion with Real-Time Sign Language Translation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased the use of real-time AI-powered sign language translation during his keynote at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, framing it as a core commitment to accessibility and inclusion. He emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring technology and public discourse are accessible to persons with disabilities. In his address, Modi outlined India's vision for a democratic, human-centric AI that serves the welfare of all, particularly the Global South. The summit in New Delhi gathers global experts to advance discussions on AI governance, safety, and its societal impact.

Key Points: PM Modi on AI for Accessibility & Inclusion at India AI Summit

  • Real-time AI sign language translation debuted
  • Commitment to accessible tech for disabilities
  • AI must be democratic & human-centric
  • Summit theme is welfare & happiness for all
  • Focus on AI's present use, not just future
4 min read

"Commitment to accessibility, inclusion using AI": PM Modi on use of real-time translation in sign language for his speech

PM Modi highlights real-time AI sign language translation at summit, emphasizing commitment to making technology accessible for persons with disabilities.

"Commitment to accessibility, inclusion using AI": PM Modi on use of real-time translation in sign language for his speech
"We will always work to ensure that technology and public discourse are accessible to persons with disabilities. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, February 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the use of real-time translation in sign language using AI for his speech delivered at the India AI Impact Summit, 2026. He said that the translation reflected the "commitment to accessibility and inclusion" when it comes to AI.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, " My speech at the AI Impact Summit included real-time translation in sign language using AI. It reflects our commitment to accessibility and inclusion when it comes to AI. We will always work to ensure that technology and public discourse are accessible to persons with disabilities."

The Prime Minister emphasised that the government will always work in the direction of ensuring accessibility of technology and public discourse for people with disabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his keynote address at the AI Impact Summit 2026, spoke about AI and its implications, highlighting India's vision of ensuring the democratisation of this technology to all its citizens.

"I welcome you all to the most historic AI Summit in the world. India is the centre of the world's largest tech pool. It is a matter of pride for the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in India. When signals were first transmitted wirelessly, no one imagined that the entire world would one day be connected in real time. Artificial Intelligence is such a transformation of human history. What we are seeing today, what we are predicting, is just the beginning of its impact," he said.

"Bharat beneficially looks at AI, and that's why we chose 'Sarwajan Hitaye, Sarwajan Sukhaye' as our theme. We need AI to be democratic for all, especially the Global South. AI is making machines intelligent, but more than that, it is increasing human capabilities manyfold. There is only one difference: this time the speed is unprecedented, and the scale is also unexpected. Earlier, the impact of technology used to take decades to be visible. Today, the journey from machine learning to learning machines is faster, deeper and wider than ever," the PM added.

The Prime Minister highlighted how using AI sovereignly can help build a better nation and said that it was key to understand what we can do with AI in the present.

"We have to have a big vision and shoulder an equally big responsibility. Along with the present generation, we also have to worry about what form of AI we will hand over to the coming generations. Therefore, the real question today is not what Artificial Intelligence can do in the future. The question is, what do we do with Artificial Intelligence in the present? Such questions have come before humanity before. The most powerful example is nuclear power. We have seen its destruction, and its positive contribution has also been seen," he said.

The Prime Minister underlined his vision, saying that it was imperative to make AI human-centric to ensure the welfare of all.

"AI is a transformative power. If directionless, it becomes a disruption; if the right direction is found, it becomes a solution. How to make AI from machine-centric to human-centric, how to make it sensitive and responsive, this is the basic objective of this Global AI Impact Summit. The theme of this summit clearly reflects the perspective from which India views AI. Welfare of all, the happiness of all. This is our benchmark..."

The India AI Impact Summit has brought together government policymakers, industry AI experts, academicians, technology innovators and civil society from across the world at New Delhi to advance global discussions on artificial intelligence.

The India AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, reflects on the transformative potential of AI, aligning with the national vision of "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the global principle of AI for Humanity. This summit is part of an evolving international process aimed at strengthening global cooperation on the governance, safety, and societal impact of AI.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who has worked with disability advocacy groups, this is a very welcome step. The commitment to making public discourse accessible is crucial. The real test will be implementing this at the state and district level for everyday government interactions.
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Priya S
"Sarwajan Hitaye, Sarwajan Sukhaye" – love this theme! It's so Indian in its thinking. AI should not create a new digital divide. Focusing on democratisation, especially for the Global South, is the right vision. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
Good symbolism, but we need more than summit speeches. Where is the concrete policy and funding for assistive AI tech in schools, hospitals, and railways? The vision is great, but execution on the ground is what matters for crores of Indians with disabilities.
K
Karthik V
Hosting the summit in India is a big moment for our tech prestige. The comparison to nuclear power is apt – we need to get the ethics and governance right from the start. Human-centric AI is the only sustainable path.
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Meera T
The sign language translation is a beautiful, practical application. It makes technology feel personal and caring. Hope our brilliant young engineers and startups take this as a challenge to build more such inclusive solutions for India's unique needs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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