Balance of Power

Modi Bets on AI Revolution With a Human Face

The Indian premier sought to lay out a vision of an AI that is ethical and human-first.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, with AI industry leaders in New Delhi on Feb. 19.Photographer: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images

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By Dan Strumpf

February 19, 2026 at 11:05 AM UTC

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If the AI revolution sweeping the globe feels like a runaway freight train, then Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to gently tap the brakes.