PM Modi stresses global AI governance and innovation at Paris summit

Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a global AI summit in Paris on Tuesday, emphasized the need for collective efforts to govern artificial intelligence while ensuring innovation and inclusivity. Co-chairing the event alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi highlighted both AI’s transformative potential and its inherent biases, calling for responsible development and equitable access, especially for the Global South.

AI’s potential and challenges

PM Modi illustrated AI’s dual nature—its ability to simplify medical reports while struggling with biases, such as misrepresenting left-handed writers due to skewed training data. He stressed the need for global cooperation in setting governance frameworks to ensure AI upholds shared values, mitigates risks, and fosters trust.

AI for development and inclusivity

Highlighting AI’s role in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, Modi urged countries to pool resources and develop open-source, unbiased AI systems. He called for democratizing technology, building quality datasets, and addressing concerns like cybersecurity, misinformation, and deep fakes. He also underscored the importance of integrating AI with local ecosystems for maximum impact.

AI’s impact on jobs and sustainability

Addressing fears of AI-driven job losses, Modi reassured that while technology changes the nature of work, it also creates new opportunities. He advocated for investing in skill development to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. He also pointed out AI’s high energy demands, urging the development of energy-efficient AI models alongside green energy solutions.

India’s leadership in AI and digital infrastructure

PM Modi showcased India’s success in Digital Public Infrastructure, which serves 1.4 billion people at low cost through an open and accessible network. He highlighted India’s National AI Mission, large AI talent pool, and efforts to build its own Large Language Model. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to responsible AI development, citing the country’s G20 presidency, where consensus was built on harnessing AI “Responsibly, for Good, and for All.”

A call for ethical and sustainable AI

As AI advances, Modi urged the global community to ensure ethical development and sustainability. He emphasized that AI models should be efficient in size, data needs, and energy consumption, drawing inspiration from the human brain’s ability to create and innovate using minimal power.

Modi stated that while some fear AI surpassing human intelligence, the responsibility for shaping the future ultimately lies with humanity. He urged global leaders to work together to steer AI development towards a responsible, inclusive, and innovation-driven future.