AI Governance and Collaboration at the Global Level
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) while advocating for international collaboration in the creation of regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines at the AI Action Summit in Paris. In front of a notable audience of policymakers, technology leaders, and research experts, he described AI as a significant factor influencing the economy, security, and society, referring to it as “writing the code for humanity in this century.”
Global Standards for AI Challenges
The Indian Prime Minister stressed the necessity for global standards to tackle challenges related to AI, such as cybersecurity risks, misinformation, and deepfakes. He remarked that “AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed and being adapted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep interdependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust.”
AI in Sustainable Development Goals
Highlighting the contribution of AI to advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs), he indicated that “AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture, and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster. To do this, we must pull together resources and talent.”
Inclusivity in AI Advancements
A primary emphasis of his address was on ensuring that advancements driven by AI are available to everyone, especially in the Global South. He stated that “Governance is also about ensuring access to all, especially in the Global South. It is where the capabilities are most lacking—be it power, talent, or data for financial resources.”
Importance of Open-Source AI Systems
He further emphasised the need to develop open-source AI systems that enhance transparency and fairness. “We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases,” he articulated.
Job Transformation Through AI
In addressing concerns over job displacement due to AI, the Indian PM affirmed that technology alters the nature of work rather than eliminating it. He claimed that “Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption, but history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology, only its nature changes. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future.”
Sustainable AI Models
The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of creating energy-efficient AI models, comparing them to human intelligence. He noted that “AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs, and resource requirements. After all, the human brain manages to compose poetry and design spaceships using less power than most light bulbs.”
India’s Leadership in Digital Infrastructure and AI
By citing India’s advancements in digital infrastructure and adoption of AI, he highlighted the nation’s leadership in the sector. He stated that “Today, India leads in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions on data privacy. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools.” He also highlighted that India has successfully established a cost-effective digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion citizens, facilitating economic modernisation and governance reforms.
