New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses plenary session on Thursday Artificial Intelligence Impact Summitcalling on the international community to transform the current technological disruption into humanity’s greatest opportunity.Addressing the plenary session, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the summit will help shape a more ethical and responsive digital future.
In addition to his address, equally eye-catching is the nameplate on the desk he sits behind.The placard read “Bharat” instead of “India”.This is not the first time that the name ‘Bharat’ has been used to refer to the country at official events around the world.During the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2024, “Bharat” placards were used, sparking widespread controversy. Moreover, in the invitation issued by President Dhurupati Murmu to world leaders, “India” was replaced with “Bharat”.The word “Bharat” also appears in a G20 manual prepared for foreign delegates titled “Bharat, the Mother of Democracy”. “Bharat is the official name of the country. It is mentioned in the constitution and in discussions of 1946-48,” the pamphlet reads.“Correct action comes from correct understanding”Prime Minister Modi said in his speech at the plenary session: “I believe this summit will play a vital role in building a human-centered and sensitive global artificial intelligence ecosystem. Looking back at history, we will find that mankind has transformed every disruption into new opportunities. Today, we are faced with such an opportunity again. We must work together to transform this disruption into the greatest opportunity for mankind.”Prime Minister Modi invoked the teachings of Buddha and emphasized the importance of clear and timely decision-making in AI governance.“India is the land of Buddha, who said: ‘Right action comes from right understanding.’ Therefore, it is important that we work together to create a roadmap that demonstrates the true impact of AI. Real impact only occurs when a person makes the right decision at the right time with the right intention. ” he observed.The Prime Minister highlighted the collaborative response during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels with recent global challenges.“During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world has seen that when we come together, the impossible is possible. From vaccine development to supply chains, from data sharing to saving lives, collaboration provides solutions,” he said.Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister attended the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Macron, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several top industry leaders from around the world also delivered speeches at the ceremony.The first Global Artificial Intelligence Summit to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere reflects the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, in line with the national vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” and the global principle of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
