In the 130th installment of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ – the first of 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling Sunday address from New Delhi. Touching on Republic Day zeal, National Voters’ Day, Startup India’s evolution, quality in industry, and AI’s frontier, he connected profoundly with the audience.
The spotlight fell on next month’s ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’. PM Modi declared, ‘This gathering will draw tech luminaries worldwide to spotlight India’s advancements and successes in artificial intelligence.’ His heartfelt felicitation to participants underscored the event’s prestige.
He pledged deeper dives into the summit during the next episode. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw circulated an audio excerpt on X, ensuring the message spread far and wide.
Modi lauded India’s vibrant startup scene, where innovators thrive in AI, space ventures, atomic energy, chip manufacturing, sustainable hydrogen, and biological tech. ‘It’s our youth’s daring ideas, grit, and dedication at play,’ he affirmed.
Drawing from a viral social media wave of 2016 flashbacks, the PM reminisced about inaugurating Startup India that January. That seed has grown into the planet’s third-largest startup hub, with ventures tackling once-unthinkable challenges.
Optimistically, Modi envisioned India conquering new tech frontiers and steering global progress. This ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode stands as a clarion call, blending reflection with bold aspirations for a tech-powered India.