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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris underscored the growing global concern and potential of artificial intelligence. Co-chairing the summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need for a collective, responsible approach to AI development and deployment. His speech highlighted the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, from healthcare and education to agriculture and security, while also acknowledging the significant challenges and risks associated with this rapidly evolving technology.
A central theme of Modi's address was the importance of global cooperation in establishing governance frameworks and standards for AI. He stressed the need for shared values, risk mitigation strategies, and trust-building measures to ensure the ethical and beneficial use of AI. He acknowledged concerns about potential job displacement due to automation, but emphasized that technological advancements throughout history have consistently led to the creation of new job roles, necessitating investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future. This proactive approach to workforce adaptation is crucial for minimizing societal disruption and maximizing the benefits of AI.
Modi's speech also highlighted the importance of sustainable AI. He pointed out the high energy intensity of AI systems and advocated for the use of green power sources to fuel their operation. This aligns with India's commitment to sustainable development goals and its initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. Furthermore, he advocated for the development of efficient AI models, minimizing their size, data requirements, and resource consumption. This emphasis on sustainability extends beyond energy consumption to encompass the overall environmental impact of AI development and deployment.
The Indian government's approach to AI, as outlined by Modi, focuses on a people-centric model. He highlighted India's successful development of a digital public infrastructure, serving over 1.4 billion people at a low cost. This infrastructure, built on open and accessible networks with robust regulations, has facilitated the modernization of the economy, improved governance, and transformed the lives of citizens. India's approach also emphasizes data empowerment and protection, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all, particularly in the Global South where resources might be more limited. This commitment to inclusivity is a key element of India's national AI mission.
Modi's participation in the summit, alongside other global leaders such as US Vice President Kamala Harris and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, signaled the growing international recognition of the importance of coordinated action on AI. The invitation to India to co-chair the summit is also significant, particularly given the ongoing strategic competition between the US and China in the AI realm. India's position as a co-chair reflects its growing influence in the global technological landscape and its commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach to shaping the future of AI. The summit served as a platform for India to share its experiences and expertise, contributing to global efforts to ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly for the benefit of all.
Beyond the summit, Modi's visit to Paris also included bilateral talks with President Macron, focusing on strengthening India-France business ties. This underscores the importance of international collaboration in navigating the complexities of AI development and ensuring its responsible and equitable application globally. The summit and the subsequent bilateral discussions highlighted India's proactive engagement in shaping the global AI landscape, advocating for responsible innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. Modi's emphasis on a human-centric approach, sustainable practices, and global cooperation provides a valuable framework for addressing the challenges and maximizing the opportunities presented by the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence.
Source: ‘AI shaping our polity, economy, security and society’: PM Modi co-chairs AI Action Summit in Paris