New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning that without clear human values and guidance, the technology could become self-destructive.

Addressing the Leaders’ Plenary at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Modi said India is committed to fostering a responsible, transparent and human-centric global AI ecosystem.

“Artificial intelligence needs a foundation of clear human values and direction. Technology alone is not enough; it must be guided by human trust and ethics to create meaningful impact,” the Prime Minister said.

Presenting three key suggestions for ethical AI, Modi stressed the need to respect data sovereignty and develop a trusted global data framework for AI training. “As is often said in AI, ‘garbage in, garbage out’. If data is not secure, balanced and reliable, the output will not be trustworthy,” he noted, calling for globally accepted standards on data integrity.

On transparency, Modi urged an end to opaque or “black box” algorithmic practices. “We need a glass box approach instead of a black box, where safety rules can be viewed and verified. Transparency will ensure accountability and encourage ethical behaviour in business,” he said.

Warning about unintended consequences of unchecked AI, the Prime Minister referred to the well-known “paperclip problem” in AI safety research, where a system pursuing a narrow goal can cause widespread harm in the absence of moral constraints. “If a machine is given the sole objective of making paperclips, it may continue doing so even at the cost of exhausting all resources. This is why AI must be guided by human values,” he said.

Modi emphasised that excellence in AI cannot exist in isolation from ethics. By aligning technological progress with human values, he said, India aims to lead global efforts in building an innovative yet safe digital ecosystem.

“The summit can play a crucial role in building a sensitive, human-centric global AI framework. History shows that humanity has turned every disruption into opportunity. Together, we must transform this disruption into humanity’s biggest opportunity,” he said.

Calling for the democratisation of AI, Modi said the technology should empower people rather than reduce them to data points. He added that India views AI not with fear but as a blueprint for the future, provided its development remains open and transparent.

“We must give AI an open sky, but at the same time keep the reins in our hands,” he told an audience of world leaders and industry executives, noting that AI will enhance global systems, create more creative professional roles, and drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Contrasting India’s approach with more closed global models, Modi said, “Some countries believe AI should be developed in a confidential and closed manner. India believes AI will truly serve the world when it is shared and its codes are open.”

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Reiterating India’s optimism, the Prime Minister concluded, “India does not see fear in AI. India sees opportunity, fortune and the blueprint of tomorrow.”