Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (February 19, 2026) said artificial intelligence must be democratised and become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South, PTI reported. 

Addressing the India AI Impact Summit, Mr. Modi said the expo is taking place in India, which represents one sixth of humanity, a country with the world's largest young population and a hub of the largest tech talent pool.

"Artificial intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history. India is not just a part of the AI revolution, but is leading and shaping it," he said in the presence of world leaders and CEOs of leading companies at the Summit, according to PTI.