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PM Modi at VivaTech 2026: AI must be human-centric and inclusive

Published on: 18 Jun 2026, 09:03 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the VivaTech 2026 conference in Paris on Thursday, emphasised that artificial intelligence must be 'All Inclusive' and human-centric. Addressing Europe's largest technology event alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi said technology can lead to progress only when it is democratised and accessible to all.

'Let us take the example of AI. AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth and also help us sustain a healthy planet. Our participation as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026 reflects this very vision. For India, AI means 'All Inclusive',' Modi said.

Modi highlighted India's achievements in digital payments, AI-enabled agriculture, and space applications as examples of technology driving transformative change. He noted that India and France are deepening cooperation in emerging technologies, and that 2026 is a special year for India and Europe, with the recent conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which he said will expand trade, investment, and exchanges of talent, technology, and tourism.

During the event, Modi and Macron interacted with Indian start-ups and innovators showcasing solutions in healthcare, sustainability, mobility, and other frontier technologies. According to a government readout, Modi's participation is expected to strengthen partnerships between Indian and French tech ecosystems.

Reflecting on his previous address at VivaTech in 2021, when the world faced the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi said the world now faces disruptions of other kinds. 'Where convention fails, innovation can help,' he reiterated.

A day earlier, at a G7 session on AI, Modi warned against misuse of AI, particularly risks to children from misinformation, deepfakes, and exploitation. He called for stronger global cooperation to counter deepfakes, misinformation, and cyber fraud. AI, he said, can educate children in their languages, boost creativity, and personalise learning, but without safeguards, it can expose them to risks.

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