India's M.A.N.A.V Vision: Redefining Global AI Governance Through Human-Centric Principles and Strategic Sovereignty

Abstract

The M.A.N.A.V Vision, which was announced at the AI Impact Summit in India in February 2026, is a paradigm change in the field of AI governance. It puts human welfare, developmental equity and strategic sovereignty at the center stage. M.A.N.A.V -Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive AI, Valid and Legitimate Systems is not simple to place under the umbrella of techno-deterministic narratives that are prevalent in the Euro-Atlantic policy. It provides a new roadmap by integrating ethics into the industrial strategy, data rights and the infrastructure of the people. This article discusses the main concepts of M.A.N.A.V, the way it is being operationalized in the India AI Mission and Digital Public Infrastructure and the potential of this to change the global AI norms as seen through the prism of the Global South. The results indicate that M.A.N.A.V transforms the marginal issues of sovereignty and inclusion to the ethical pillars. Based on the constitutional principles and the goals of development, India is about to transform into a norm-entrepreneur, which will connect technology innovativeness with democratic responsiveness. Its success will depend on the strength of the institutions, regulatory coherence, and the capacity of India to demonstrate the fact that human-centred artificial intelligence can flourish together with the technological competitiveness.