Narendra Modi pushes for Innovation at Key Summit in FranceTop Stories

February 11, 2025 13:44

Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-led the AI Action Summit held in France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, where he emphasized that artificial intelligence is forging the "code for humanity" in the 21st century. He remarked, "AI is evolving at an extraordinary rate and in ways we have not witnessed before. Its integration and application are also progressing rapidly. Moreover, there exists a profound interconnectedness that transcends borders. It is essential for us to engage in collaborative global initiatives to create governance frameworks and standards that support our collective endeavors, mitigate risks, and foster trust." These statements were made during discussions with a number of global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

To clarify the concept of AI for a broader audience, the Prime Minister illustrated it with a relatable example. He mentioned that when a medical report is uploaded to an AI application, it can deliver health recommendations using straightforward language. However, he noted that if the same app is tasked with depicting a person writing with their left hand, it might instead illustrate someone using their right hand. He voiced his apprehensions regarding the various drawbacks of AI, pointing out that the global community must carefully deliberate on the implications of artificial intelligence. "AI is already influencing our quality of life, economic landscape, security, and even societal structures," he elaborated.

Advocating for unified international efforts to regulate AI, PM Modi stated, "Effective governance extends beyond merely managing risks and rivalries; it encompasses fostering innovation and harnessing it for the benefit of all." He highlighted the importance of engaging in frank discussions about innovation and governance to ensure equitable access for everyone, particularly in the Global South, where resources are limited. The Prime Minister asserted that AI holds the potential to significantly improve lives in areas like health and agriculture. "It can pave the way for an expedited journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. We must pool our resources and talents, develop open-source frameworks that reinforce trust and transparency, and establish high-quality data sets that are free from biases," he mentioned.

The AI Action Summit in Paris is a commendable effort to bring together world leaders, policy makers, thinkers, innovators and youngsters to have meaningful conversations around AI. pic.twitter.com/kSXy0FhuIT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi urged the necessity of democratizing technology and creating applications that prioritize people’s needs, all while addressing challenges related to cybersecurity, misinformation, and deepfakes. He remarked, "Technology must be grounded in local ecosystems to ensure its effectiveness and relevance." The Prime Minister also pointed out the high energy requirements of AI development, saying, "This calls for a shift towards green energy sources to promote inclusiveness." He addressed public concerns about AI's impact on employment, stating, "While job displacement due to AI is a significant concern, history illustrates that technology transforms job roles rather than eliminating them entirely. New job types emerge, and it is vital to invest in the skills and retraining of our workforce to adapt to an AI-driven future." He concluded with a reminder that the human brain can create art and design advanced technology using less energy than many light bulbs consume.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s achievements in the technological sector, noting that a robust digital public infrastructure has been established for more than 1.4 billion individuals at an exceptionally low expense. “We have harnessed the potential of data through our framework for data empowerment and protection, ensuring that digital commerce is both democratic and accessible for everyone,” he stated.

He pointed out that India is at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption and is leading in techno-legal measures concerning data privacy. The nation is working on AI applications aimed at benefiting the public and boasts one of the largest pools of AI talent globally. Furthermore, India is in the process of developing its own large language model, reflecting the country's diverse needs. Modi highlighted a distinctive public-private partnership approach that facilitates the pooling of resources, such as computing power, which is made available to startups and researchers at reasonable costs.

Additionally, he mentioned that during India’s G20 presidency, a consensus was reached on the responsible utilization of AI for the benefit of all. He expressed India’s willingness to share its knowledge and experience to help ensure that the future of AI is directed towards favorable outcomes for everyone. In concluding his address, PM Modi remarked that “we are on the brink of the AI era, which is set to influence the trajectory of humanity.” He emphasized that it is humanity alone that holds the key to a shared future and collective destiny, and that this sense of duty should guide all people.