PM Modi calls for human-centric critical tech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a fundamental change in the way critical technologies are promoted and noted that such technology applications must be 'human-centric' rather than 'finance-centric', 'global' rather than 'national', and based on 'open source' rather than 'exclusive models'.

He elaborated that this vision has been integrated into India's technology ecosystem and the same has resulted in significant benefits, be it in space applications, AI or digital payments where it is a world leader.

"India today records the highest number of digital payments in the world. From space technology to artificial intelligence, we are witnessing positivity and broad-based participation across every sector," Modi said. He was addressing the third session of the Johannesburg G20 summit on 'A Fair and a Just Future for All -- Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence'.


On Saturday, Modi proposed the G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative which can drive innovations such as recycling, urban mining, and second-life batteries.

On AI, Modi outlined India's approach based on equitable access, population-level skilling and responsible deployment. He noted that under India-AI Mission, accessible high-performance computing capacity is being built to ensure that benefits reach everyone in the country. He emphasised that in the age of AI, there is a need to rapidly shift the approach from 'jobs of today' to 'capabilities of tomorrow'.

He said India will host AI Impact summit in February 2026 on the theme 'Sarvajanam Hitaya, Sarvajanam Sukhaya' (Welfare for all, Happiness for all) and invited all to join the effort.