Modi pitches 'AI for All' at VivaTech and G7, warns against misuse while highlighting $50bn push

Modi Positions India as Global AI Partner with $50 Billion Innovation Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his appearances at VivaTech 2026 in Paris and the G7 Summit in France to articulate India's distinctive approach to Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing that AI must mean 'All Inclusive' rather than exclusive technological advancement 1

1

. Speaking at Europe's largest technology and startup event alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi highlighted India's commitment to democratizing technology for inclusive progress through targeted incentives exceeding $50 billion . The Prime Minister stressed that India offers the world's most affordable data and low-cost green energy, positioning the nation as an ideal partner for global scaling 1

1

. Modi's remarks came against the backdrop of US restrictions on Anthropic's latest AI models for foreign nationals, underscoring the importance of accessible AI development 3

3

.

Human-Centric AI Vision Anchored in MANAV Principles

At the G7 Summit outreach session on 'Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of Artificial Intelligence,' Narendra Modi presented India's MANAV (human) vision, asserting that human-centric AI must be anchored in principles of inclusivity, security, and public good 4

4

. Modi emphasized that the true test of AI lies not in machine power but in empowering ordinary people, stating that AI must expand human potential, empower human choice, and protect human dignity 5

5

. The Prime Minister highlighted India's recent AI Impact Summit, where this vision was elaborated to ensure technology remains a force for good rather than exploitation 4

4

.

Warning Against AI Misuse and Call for Safe-by-Design Systems

Modi issued stark warnings about AI misuse, particularly concerning children's exposure to misinformation, deepfakes, and exploitation without proper safeguards 5

5

. He called for transforming digital space into a learning playground rather than a manipulation tool, emphasizing that the difference lies in values, design, and AI governance 5

5

. The Prime Minister proposed four key suggestions: implementing safe-by-design AI systems where safety is a core design element; establishing common standards, testing frameworks, and regulatory guidelines for AI deployment; strengthening global cooperation for AI to combat deepfakes, misinformation, and cyber fraud; and ensuring AI benefits reach the Global South 4

4

5

5

.

Strategic Partnership with Mistral AI on Open-Weight Models

During his France visit, Modi held discussions with Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch, focusing on trusted AI systems, innovation, and prospects for partnerships in India 2

2

. Mensch described the conversation as covering digital autonomy and sovereign AI capabilities, including building full-stack systems under national control 2

2

. The French AI company, currently raising €3 billion at a €20 billion valuation, plans to launch new open-weight models this summer, with Mensch expressing strong interest in collaborating with Indian companies to expand AI capabilities 2

2

. Mensch characterized AI as a strategic global resource comparable to oil in the 20th century, warning it could lead either to wealth and abundance or extractive economies depending on governance 2

2

.

India's Digital Transformation Powers AI for All Vision

Modi showcased India's technological prowess by noting that half of global digital transactions now occur in the country, demonstrating the nation's commitment to using technology at massive scale for financial inclusion, education, and telemedicine 3

3

. He emphasized that technology can lead to progress only when democratized, citing India's creation of the world's largest digital identity and payment platforms 3

3

. India set up the largest national pavilion at VivaTech 2026 as a symbol of partnership potential between Indian and European innovation ecosystems 3

3

. Modi stressed that democratic countries must have access to AI models that can secure critical information infrastructure and counter cyber threats, viewing cyberspace as a global public good where no country can be fully secure unless all nations are secure 5

5

.