Modi Proposes Global AI Framework to Combat Deepfakes and Cyber Fraud at India Mobile Congress 2026

Global AI Framework Takes Center Stage at India Mobile Congress 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 as a platform to advocate for a comprehensive global AI framework, calling on governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions to unite against emerging digital threats1

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. Speaking at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in New Delhi, Narendra Modi emphasized that cyber fraud and cybercrime transcend national borders, making international cooperation essential for digital security4

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. He proposed mechanisms that would allow users to immediately identify the origins of deepfakes and AI-generated content, addressing the growing challenge of synthetic media that is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic material2

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Push for Global Rules on Emerging Technologies

During his meeting with GSMA board members ahead of the congress, Modi stressed the need for global standards and common rules for emerging technologies2

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. The Prime Minister's vision centers on making technology a tool for inclusive and sustainable development while preventing a widening digital divide2

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. He emphasized that democratization of technology is essential to ensure no section of society is left behind, particularly highlighting the need for affordable digital services for the Global South2

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. This isn't Modi's first call for global technology rules. At the G20 Leaders' Summit in November 2023, he stated that India firmly believes in working together on global regulation of AI, and at the 2025 Johannesburg summit, he proposed a global compact on AI with principles including human oversight, safety by design, transparency, and strict prohibitions on using AI for deepfakes, crime, and terrorist activities3

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India's Existing Framework and Future Direction

India has already taken steps to address AI-generated content through the Information Technology (IT) Rules. The February 2026 amendments require platforms offering AI content tools to embed permanent metadata or provenance mechanisms in synthetic content to the extent technically feasible3

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. The metadata must include a unique identifier for the platform tool used to create or alter the content, and platforms cannot allow users to remove it3

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. Additionally, MeitY mandated continuous disclosure on AI-generated content in April 20263

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. Modi suggested sustained awareness messages to warn users about potential fraud calls and emphasized that technology can achieve scale only when it earns people's trust4

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. He noted that India has gained considerable experience in dealing with such challenges and is prepared to share its approach with other countries4

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Telecom Sector's Critical Role in Digital Security

The Prime Minister highlighted the expanded role of telecom operators in maintaining India's digital ecosystem, noting that mobile phones have evolved beyond communication devices to become integral to banking, education, healthcare and government services4

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. India's telecom growth has enabled citizens in villages and smaller cities to access internet services and benefit from government schemes that previously couldn't reach actual beneficiaries4

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. With over 5.5 lakh base stations deployed and mobile speeds ten times higher than in 2022, India has demonstrated that connectivity at scale can transform governance and everyday life1

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. Nokia India Country Manager Vibha Mehra noted that the focus now expands to securing what has been built while continuing to expand it, calling for networks that are AI-native, quantum-safe, energy-efficient and increasingly made in India1

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Industry Response and Path Forward

Telecom industry leaders rallied behind Modi's vision for sectoral transformation. COAI Director General S P Kochhar stated that as technology becomes more pervasive, building awareness around risks such as deepfakes and ensuring trust, safety and responsible innovation will be equally critical1

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. He emphasized that the next decade is about taking India's digital journey from scale to global impact, positioning the country as a creator and trusted technology leader for the world1

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. GX Group CEO Paritosh Prajapati noted that the next era of digital growth will be defined by trust, stating that as connectivity, AI and digital technologies expand rapidly, security, trust and collaboration must scale with them1

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. Modi emphasized that IMC 2026 should be remembered for partnerships forged, research projects commenced, products that reached the world, and innovations that emerged from India to serve humanity1

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. The Prime Minister's call positions digital public infrastructure as a transformative springboard for developing countries while addressing the urgent need for secure connectivity in an era where trust determines technology adoption.