Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a global AI summit in Paris, emphasising the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in human lives while advocating for its equitable benefits, particularly for the Global South. He also cautioned against biases in AI and addressed concerns regarding job losses due to technological advancements.
“We must pull together our resources and talent and develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency and develop quality datasets, free from biases, in order to benefit the world. AI must be about people-centric applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation, and deep fakes,” Prime Minister Modi said as world leaders listened.
Highlighting AI’s potential, the prime minister stressed its capacity to “help transform millions of lives” through advancements in “healthcare, education, agriculture, and science.”
He further noted that “AI can also help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster.”
Addressing concerns over job displacement, Prime Minister Modi asserted that “AI’s most-feared disruption is ‘loss of jobs’. But history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology.”
He elaborated, stating, “The nature of jobs changes with time, and new types of jobs are created.” He further called for investments in workforce training, adding, “We need to invest heavily in skilling and re-skilling of our people for an AI-driven future.”
The prime minister also underlined the need for sustainability in AI development. “There is no doubt that the high-energy intensity of AI needs to be scrutinised. This will require green power to fuel its future. India and France have formed the International Solar Alliance in order to harness the Sun to ensure there is plenty of green energy supply for future technologies.”
He pointed out that “conservation of energy is key for the future of AI,” citing the efficiency of the human brain. “A human brain can do everything from poetry to complex mathematics at a fraction of the energy needed even by an ordinary light bulb.” He stated that this efficiency should be the benchmark for AI advancements.
Speaking on India’s role in AI development, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the country’s strides in digital infrastructure. “India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for more than 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. This is built around an open and accessible network. It has regulations and a wide range of applications in order to modernise our economy, reform governance, and transform the lives of our people.”
He also underscored India’s approach to AI-driven governance, saying, “India has one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. We are also building our own large language model in AI, keeping in mind our diversity.” The prime minister elaborated on India’s public-private partnership model, stating, “India also has a unique public-private partnership model for Artificial Intelligence. India is willing to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the future of AI is for everyone on the planet.”
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the broader implications of AI, stating, “We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the future of humanity. Some people worry about machines becoming superior to human beings in terms of intelligence, but no one holds the key to our collective future and shared destiny other than all of us – humans. That sense of responsibility is what must guide us.”
The summit, co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, was held at the Grand Palais in Paris. The event saw participation from Heads of States and governments, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from the technology sector, academics, representatives of non-governmental organisations, artists, and members of civil society.
At the conclusion of the summit, Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron for hosting the inaugural event and announced that India looks forward to hosting the next AI Action Summit.
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