At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 summit, Dr. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind and leader of AI research teams across India and Japan, emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping India’s future and addressing global challenges. Under the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, Dr. Gupta shared his insights on the critical role of AI in driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.
Building Foundational AI Models: A Call for Courage
Dr. Gupta challenged the notion that developing foundational AI models requires exorbitant investments, stating, “Some believe it takes hundreds of millions of dollars to build foundational AI models, but we must have the courage to tackle challenges that have never been attempted before.” He highlighted the significance of transformer architecture, the innovation behind breakthroughs like ChatGPT, as a cornerstone of modern AI development.
AI’s Role in Solving Global Challenges
AI is accelerating progress across a wide range of critical fields, from drug discovery and plastic pollution to structural biology. Dr. Gupta pointed to innovations like AlphaFold, which are revolutionizing scientific research by solving complex problems at unprecedented speeds. “AI is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges,” he remarked.
Inclusive AI for India’s Linguistic Diversity
Dr. Gupta also emphasized the importance of creating AI models that reflect India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. “We are focused on building the best multimodal representation for over 100 Indic languages, ensuring AI development is inclusive and supports India’s linguistic heritage,” he said. He stressed the need for multicultural AI models that can shape the future of technology while remaining accessible to all.
Responsible AI: Ethics and Emotional Understanding
Addressing the ethical dimensions of AI, Dr. Gupta acknowledged that AI systems often inherit human biases. “AI is biased because it is built by humans, and we carry our biases into these systems,” he explained. He also noted that AI still struggles to understand complex human emotions like love, but companies like Google are actively working on principles to mitigate bias and ensure responsible AI development.
Dr. Gupta expressed optimism about AI’s potential to enhance human capabilities, stating, “AI can become a better version of human beings, helping artists explore new genres or scientists unlock new discoveries. However, when it comes to creativity and intuition, humans will always have the upper hand.”
Ideas of India 2025: Shaping Humanity’s Next Frontier
The Ideas of India 2025 summit brought together thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore India’s role as both an ancient civilization and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. Against the backdrop of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and rapid technological advancements, the summit highlighted transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership.
Dr. Gupta’s vision for AI aligns with the summit’s mission: to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world. “The world is excited about AI, but we must ensure it benefits everyone, not just the privileged few,” he concluded.
As India continues its ascent on the global stage, the bold steps it takes in AI development will not only transform the nation but also contribute to solving humanity’s greatest challenges.
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.
