Paris, France – In a landmark address at an international AI summit co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, India underscored the pressing need for global collaboration to ensure the responsible and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Highlighting both the transformative potential and inherent biases of AI, PM Modi initiated his speech with a simple experiment. He noted that while AI can interpret medical reports in a comprehensible manner, it still struggles with biases in image generation, reflecting limitations within its training data. This, he stressed, is a reminder that AI, despite its vast potential, requires careful scrutiny to mitigate biases and ensure fairness.
The Need for Global Governance
PM Modi emphasized that AI is revolutionizing every sphere of human life, from politics and economics to security and society. However, unlike past technological advancements, AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace, necessitating global cooperation in governance and standardization. He urged nations to establish regulations that not only address risks but also foster innovation for the collective good.
Calling for a balanced approach to AI governance, the Indian leader stated that regulatory frameworks should ensure accessibility, especially in the Global South, where infrastructure and resources for AI development remain limited. “Governance is not just about managing risks and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation and deploying AI for the global good,” he said.
Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development
Underlining AI’s potential to drive social progress, PM Modi outlined its role in advancing sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. He called for a collaborative approach in developing open-source AI systems that enhance transparency, trust, and inclusivity. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to address challenges like cybersecurity threats, disinformation, and deepfakes while ensuring AI solutions are locally relevant and people-centric.
The Future of Work in the AI Era
Recognizing concerns regarding AI-driven job displacement, PM Modi reassured that while technology alters the nature of jobs, it does not eliminate work itself. He stressed the importance of investing in skill development and workforce reskilling to prepare societies for an AI-driven future.
Sustainable AI for a Green Future
PM Modi also highlighted the energy-intensive nature of AI and the need for sustainable solutions. He pointed to India’s leadership in green energy, particularly through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, as a foundation for sustainable AI development. “AI models must be efficient and sustainable, not only in energy consumption but also in data usage and resource allocation,” he noted.
India’s Leadership in AI Development
The Prime Minister showcased India’s achievements in digital infrastructure, citing the country’s successful implementation of a low-cost, open-access Digital Public Infrastructure that serves over 1.4 billion people. India’s National AI Mission, he noted, is built on principles of data protection, digital inclusivity, and a public-private partnership model that democratizes AI access for startups and researchers.
Reiterating India’s commitment to ethical AI, PM Modi highlighted the country’s efforts during its G20 Presidency to build a consensus on harnessing AI responsibly. “India leads in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions on data privacy. We are developing AI applications for public good and building our own Large Language Model that reflects our diversity,” he stated.
A Call for Responsible AI Development
Concluding his speech, PM Modi addressed the ethical concerns surrounding AI’s rapid evolution. While acknowledging fears that machines could surpass human intelligence, he asserted that humanity remains in control of its collective future. “No one holds the key to our shared destiny other than us humans. That sense of responsibility must guide us,” he declared.
The summit underscored the global urgency for collaborative AI governance. With India emerging as a major player in AI development and policy, its leadership in fostering ethical and inclusive AI solutions is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence on a global scale.
