AI access: Narendra Modi urges democratisation of technology at VivaTech 2026 in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged wider and fair access to technology at VivaTech 2026 in Paris. Narendra Modi said India viewed artificial intelligence as a tool that should benefit everyone. The remarks came days after the US restricted access to some AI models. Narendra Modi linked access to innovation with economic and social progress.

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Narendra Modi said technology supported India’s scale in digital services and inclusion. Narendra Modi told the forum that about half of global digital transactions took place in India. Narendra Modi added that technology helped deliver services across sectors. The Prime Minister presented this as evidence of India’s capability and reach.

AI means All Inclusive for India, Narendra Modi says

"When it comes to technology, along with innovation, what matters is access. Technology can lead to progress, only when it is democratised. India believes that in this era of disruption, technology must deliver for all,\" the Prime Minister said. Narendra Modi also linked this idea to artificial intelligence and its public value.

Narendra Modi said AI should improve lives and broaden access to services. Narendra Modi said it should support growth and help sustain a healthy planet. Narendra Modi pointed to India’s role at the event as part of this approach. \"Our participation as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026 reflects this very vision. For India, AI means All Inclusive,\" he said.

US AI models curbs raise access concerns, Narendra Modi cites democratisation

Last week, Anthropic removed its latest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, from access. The step followed a US administration directive on use by foreign nationals. The move raised concerns about access to AI tools. It also came as more sectors relied on such solutions in a changing economy.

Narendra Modi said India’s last decade saw major change driven by technology. Narendra Modi listed large digital public systems created during this period. These included the world’s largest digital identity system and major digital payments platforms. Narendra Modi said India used them at scale for inclusion, education, telemedicine, and agriculture.

VivaTech 2026 highlights India startups and technology work, Narendra Modi says

Narendra Modi recalled speaking at VivaTech 2021 during Covid-19 disruptions. Narendra Modi said disruptions had changed since then. \"Today, the world is experiencing disruptions of other kinds. And I reiterate the message I shared then at VivaTech 2021. Where convention fails, innovation can help,\" he said.

Narendra Modi said India had over 2 lakh startups and a strong ecosystem. Narendra Modi urged attendees to visit the India pavilion. \"...you will get a feel of Indias immense energy. Be it the worlds first single-piece 3D printed rocket engine, advanced genetic-engineering therapies, AI solutions that detect cancer and other critical diseases or improve cyber and network security, autonomous robots, smart cities, and mobility solutions,\" he said.

Narendra Modi said India was an open society with the world’s largest talent pool. Narendra Modi said India was easing rules and improving ease of doing business. Narendra Modi said the country supported private enterprise from innovation to commercialisation. Narendra Modi added that targeted incentives exceeded USD 50 billion.

Narendra Modi said India offered affordable data and low-cost green energy. Narendra Modi described a shared role for government, industry, startups, and global partners. \"Our approach is clear. Our government will enable and industry will innovate. Startups will disrupt and global partners will scale with us. Together, we will move faster than ever,\" he said.

Narendra Modi invited investment partnerships with India at the forum. \"Work with India and deliver for all,\" Narendra Modi said. VivaTech is Europe’s major technology and innovation gathering. India set up the largest national pavilion at this edition. The display signalled scope for India-European cooperation across innovation ecosystems.

With inputs from PTI