AI Translates PM's Speech Into Sign Language, Regional Languages Real-Time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. As he spoke about the unprecedented pace and scale of technological change in India, artificial intelligence was being used in real time to enhance accessibility during his address.

His speech was dubbed live into multiple regional languages using AI, while AI-enabled sign language interpretation ensured the address was accessible to all. Videos of the multilingual and sign language feeds were shared on social media for public viewing.

The speech was available in 11 languages: Assamese, Bangla, English, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. Live links were available on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Addressing the India AI Impact Summit, PM Narendra Modi positioned India as both a creator and rapid adopter of emerging technologies, highlighting that the country is home to the world’s largest youth population and one of the deepest tech talent pools. With representatives from over 100 countries in attendance, he described the gathering as a moment of pride not only for India but for the wider Global South.

He noted the striking presence of young innovators at the summit, observing that while new technologies often meet scepticism, AI has been embraced with remarkable speed and confidence. Exhibits spanning agriculture, security, assistive solutions for divyangjan, and multilingual tools, he said, demonstrate the strength of ‘Made in India’ innovation.

Calling artificial intelligence a civilisational turning point, Modi stressed that its impact will be faster and broader than any previous technological wave. 

“The real question is not what AI can do, but what humanity chooses to do with AI,” he remarked, drawing a parallel with nuclear power’s dual legacy.

He presented India’s M.A.N.A.V. Vision for AI.

M – Moral and ethical systems: AI must be based on ethical guidelines.

A – Accountable governance: Ensuring transparent rules and robust oversight.

N – National sovereignty: Data belongs to its rightful owner, PM Modi said.

A – Accessible and inclusive: AI must not be a monopoly, but a multiplier.

V – Valid and legitimate: AI must be lawful and verifiable.

He asserted that India’s M.A.N.A.V. Vision will become a crucial link for humanity’s welfare in the AI-driven world of the 21st century.

Invoking the summit’s theme ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’—welfare for all—he urged that AI be human-centric, inclusive and democratised. AI, he said, must have “an open sky”, but the command must remain firmly in human hands.