Opinion | India’s MANAV Moment: Humans Above Algorithms

The MANAV model sees AI not as a race for power but as a shared human project. It puts people first and insists that technology must serve society, not control it

The AI conversation around the world has been very unidimensional. The emphasis by major tech companies and even the US and China has been on showcasing tech prowess. Our AI is more powerful, smarter than humans. That kind of showboating has induced fear: the fear of the machines taking over the world, taking jobs, determining the future of humanity. It’s almost as if it’s a race to extinction with humans destined to lose. It’s not surprising then that AI is thought to be the ultimate power. Given the implications, it’s natural for developers to approach the development of AI models from a zero-sum, win-at-all-costs perspective. But there’s another way, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s “MANAV" vision for artificial intelligence today.

Speaking at the AI summit, PM Modi explained that MANAV, the Hindi word for “human", serves as an acronym representing five core principles: a Moral and Ethical System; Accountable Governance; National Sovereignty, particularly the right to data; Accessible and Inclusive technology; and Valid and Legitimate systems.

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The MANAV model sees AI not as a race for power but as a shared human project. It puts people first and insists that technology must serve society, not control it. By building trust, protecting rights, and widening access, it aims to reduce inequality rather than deepen it. The goal is simple: let AI improve lives, create opportunity, and strengthen communities across the world.

The message resonated.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that India had built something no other country had. Sam Altman praised India’s approach and pace of change. Sundar Pichai warned against allowing a digital divide to become an AI divide. Dario Amodei emphasised the importance of red lines for democracy.

Global validation, however, did not insulate the summit from domestic politics.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the event a disorganised spectacle and raised concerns over data sovereignty. Jairam Ramesh mocked what he termed “acronym infection." Akhilesh Yadav questioned its management, while Mahua Moitra attacked the government’s execution.

As global AI leaders endorse India’s ambition, the domestic political backlash raises another question: is criticism strengthening the debate or becoming reflexive? Scrutiny is essential in a democracy. But when global endorsements are rejected ritualistically on narrow partisan grounds, voters are entitled to ask whether the Opposition is simply opposing by instinct. The AI transition will demand bipartisan seriousness on data protection, skilling, and regulation. India cannot afford the political class pulling in different directions. After all, there are many states where the Opposition is in power. The real challenge is not applause or outrage but execution. In the AI century, credibility will come from outcomes, and responsibility rests on all sides.

© News18