Congress takes dig at PM's MANAV vision for AI

Congress takes dig at PM's MANAV vision for AI

## National Framework for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence Launched

**New Delhi, February 19, 2026** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today introduced “MANAV,” a comprehensive national vision aimed at fostering a human-centric approach to the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative underscores a commitment to ensuring that the burgeoning field of AI serves to empower individuals and communities, prioritizing national sovereignty and inclusivity in its advancement.

The MANAV (which translates to “human” in Hindi) vision, unveiled at a significant national forum, outlines a strategic roadmap for India’s engagement with AI. The Prime Minister emphasized that the rapid evolution of AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges. Therefore, a deliberate and ethical framework is crucial to harness its potential for societal good while mitigating any adverse impacts. The core tenet of MANAV is to place human well-being, dignity, and autonomy at the forefront of all AI-related endeavors, from research and development to policy-making and application.

A key pillar of the MANAV vision is the imperative of national sovereignty in the AI domain. This signifies a determination to build indigenous capabilities, foster domestic innovation, and ensure that India retains control over its technological destiny. The framework seeks to reduce reliance on external dependencies and cultivate a robust ecosystem of Indian AI researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs. This focus on self-reliance is intended to safeguard national interests and ensure that AI technologies are aligned with India’s unique socio-economic context and developmental aspirations.

Furthermore, inclusivity is identified as a non-negotiable aspect of India’s AI journey. The MANAV vision explicitly calls for the development and deployment of AI solutions that are accessible to all segments of society, irrespective of their geographical location, socio-economic status, or any other differentiating factor. This includes ensuring that AI technologies do not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new ones. Efforts will be directed towards developing AI systems that are sensitive to diverse cultural nuances and cater to the needs of marginalized communities, thereby promoting equitable progress and shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister articulated that MANAV will guide the nation’s approach to AI governance, ethical considerations, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce. It is envisioned as a guiding principle that will inform legislative measures, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative environment where academia, industry, government, and civil society can work in synergy to shape a responsible AI future for India.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance. He stressed that by adopting a human-centric and sovereign approach, India can leverage AI to address pressing national challenges, improve the quality of life for its citizens, and emerge as a global leader in ethical AI innovation. The MANAV vision represents a proactive and forward-looking strategy to navigate the complexities of the AI revolution, ensuring that technology serves humanity and contributes to a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for India.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.