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Global Leaders Unite at AI Summit as Modi Warns of Tech's Dual Nature

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined numerous heads of state for a family photo at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. In his address, Modi described Artificial Intelligence as a fundamental transformation in human history, comparable to discoveries like fire and wireless communication. He emphasized the need for a global balance between fostering AI innovation and ensuring its responsible development and governance. The Prime Minister also cautioned that, like nuclear technology, AI's impact would depend on how humanity chooses to use it.

Key Points: Modi Joins World Leaders at AI Summit, Calls for Responsible Innovation

  • Global leaders gather for AI summit
  • Modi compares AI to historic shifts like fire
  • Emphasis on balancing innovation and responsibility
  • Parallels drawn with dual-use nature of nuclear tech
  • Summit focuses on AI governance and future
2 min read

PM Modi joins heads of State for family photo at AI-India Impact Summit 2026

PM Modi and global heads of state gather in Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026, where Modi likened AI's transformative power to fire and wireless signals.

"Artificial Intelligence is such a transformation of human history... is just the beginning of its impact. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, February 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday joined heads of state and government for a family photograph at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The photo session brought together PM Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The leaders assembled at the venue as part of the summit's formal proceedings, reflecting participation from multiple regions.

Also present in the group photograph were Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Hellenic Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Switzerland President Guy Parmelin, Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Estonian President Alar Karis, along with other heads of state and government representatives attending the summit.

The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers and industry representatives to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence and its governance.

Earlier in the day, addressing the summit, PM Modi described AI as a shift in human history. He said that just as early discoveries such as fire and written script reshaped civilisation, Artificial Intelligence is set to redefine systems and societies.

"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, underlining the pace and scale of technological change.

The Prime Minister called for a balance between innovation and responsibility, stating that nations must consider what form of AI will be handed over to future generations. He also drew parallels with nuclear power, noting that technology can have both constructive and destructive outcomes depending on its use.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The comparison to nuclear power is spot on. The summit's focus on governance is crucial. Hope the discussions lead to concrete frameworks that prevent misuse while fostering innovation. India's voice in this is essential.
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Priya S
Wonderful to see leaders from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE alongside major powers. Shows India's growing diplomatic reach. The family photo is a powerful symbol of collaboration. Let's hope the talk translates into action for our youth.
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Rohit P
All this is good, but I hope the focus is also on making AI affordable and accessible for common Indians. We have brilliant minds in IITs and startups. The policy should support them, not just big foreign companies.
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Michael C
The summit composition is impressive – from Europe to South America. Balancing innovation and responsibility is the global challenge of our time. India, with its vast tech talent and democratic values, can be a key bridge builder.
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Kavya N
While the summit is a positive step, we must ensure these high-level discussions filter down. What about AI bias, job losses in traditional sectors, or data privacy for citizens? The real test is protecting the common man while advancing.

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

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