Paris hosted the AI Action Summit, co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. In his opening address, the PM highlighted India’s vision for artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing responsible governance, inclusive innovation, and global cooperation. He underscored AI’s transformative potential while advocating for sustainable and ethical development.
The Need for Global AI Governance
The PM emphasized that AI reshapes governance, economies, security, and societies worldwide. Unlike previous technological advancements, AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace, necessitating global collaboration. PM urged collective efforts to establish governance frameworks that promote innovation while addressing risks such as bias, misinformation, and cyber threats.
“Governance is not just about managing risks and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good,” PM stated, stressing the importance of trust-building mechanisms and equitable AI access, particularly for the Global South.
AI for Social Transformation and Sustainable Development
PM highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, contributing to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for:
- Open-source AI systems to enhance transparency and inclusivity.
- Bias-free datasets to ensure fair and representative AI models.
- Cybersecurity measures to counter AI-driven threats like deepfakes and misinformation.
- Integration of AI with local ecosystems for contextually relevant solutions.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about AI’s energy consumption, calling for developing sustainable AI models that optimize power usage. He highlighted India’s leadership in clean energy, citing the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a joint initiative with France.
AI and Employment: Adapting to the Changing Workforce
Recognizing concerns about job displacement due to AI, PM asserted that technological advancements do not eliminate work but transform its nature. The PM emphasized the need for large-scale skilling and reskilling programs to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future. With its vast AI talent pool, India is already investing in upskilling initiatives to bridge the digital divide.
India’s AI Leadership: Digital Public Infrastructure & National AI Mission
The PM showcased India’s success in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for its 1.4 billion people, which provides a low-cost, open-access network for governance and commerce. India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures secure and democratic data usage.
He reiterated India’s commitment to responsible AI development, citing the National AI Mission, which fosters public-private partnerships to make AI accessible and affordable for startups and researchers. India is also developing its Large Language Model (LLM) to reflect its cultural and linguistic diversity.
India’s Commitment to Responsible AI for All
During its G20 Presidency, India was crucial in building consensus on responsible AI development. PM reaffirmed India’s readiness to share its expertise: “India is ready to ensure that the AI future is for Good and for All.”
As AI shapes humanity’s future, the PM urged a human-centric approach to AI governance, ensuring ethical, sustainable, and inclusive development. India’s vision aligns with its long-standing commitment to leveraging technology for social good, making AI a force for progress and equity worldwide.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s address at the AI Action Summit in Paris reaffirmed India’s pivotal role in global AI leadership. His call for ethical AI governance, sustainable innovation, and global collaboration resonated with stakeholders worldwide, reinforcing India’s position as a key driver in shaping the AI era.
Ayush Kumar Jaiswal is a writer and contributor for MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, a platform dedicated to covering the latest developments, trends, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on India’s role in the global AI landscape. His work primarily revolves around delivering insightful and up-to-date news, analysis, and commentary on AI advancements, policies, and their implications for India’s technological future.
As a tech enthusiast and AI advocate, Ayush is passionate about exploring how AI can transform industries, governance, and everyday life. His writing aims to bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and a broader audience, making AI accessible and understandable to readers from diverse backgrounds.
Through his contributions to MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, Ayush strives to highlight India’s progress in AI research, startups, and policy frameworks, positioning the country as a leader in the global AI race. His work reflects a commitment to fostering awareness and dialogue around AI’s potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and societal impact in India.
For more of his work and insights on AI, visit MakingIndiaAIFirst.com.
