Urges for an open-source AI framework to enhance trust, transparency, and fairness
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for "addressing concerns related to cybersecurity, disinformation and deep fakes" even as he pressed for ensuring access to governance and the benefits of artificial intelligence for all, "especially in the Global South where the capacities are most lacking".
In his opening remarks while co-chairing the AI Action Summit along with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday,
Modi emphasised the "need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future". He said, "AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. AI is already reshaping our polity, our economy, our security and even our society. AI is writing the code for humanity in this century."
Addressing the perception that "loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption", the Prime Minister said that "history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology (but that) its nature changes and new types of jobs are created". He added: "While the positive potential of AI is absolutely amazing, there are many biases that we need to think carefully about."
Stressing the need to pool together resources and talent, Modi said, "We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets, free from biases. We must democratise technology and create people-centric applications... And, we must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful."
"AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed. And being adopted 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...," the Prime Minister stated.
Highlighting India's achievements, Modi said, "India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network… We have made digital commerce democratic and accessible to all… We are developing AI applications for public good. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools…"
Congratulating France and "dear friend" Macron in his closing remarks for the initiatives at the summit and assuring New Delhi's full support, Modi said, "India and France have worked together for years through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to harness the power of the sun. As we advance our partnership to AI, it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future."
The camaraderie between Modi and Macron was evident at the AI summit, with the two leaders warmly embracing each other in a show of solidarity. The Prime Minister was also seated next to US Vice President J.D. Vance during the summit.
In his closing remarks after deliberations at the summit, Modi expressed satisfaction that "there is unity in vision and unity in purpose across stakeholders" while "welcoming the decision to set up the AI Foundation and the Council for Sustainable AI. He pressed for making the "Global Partnership for AI” truly global in nature that "should be more inclusive of the Global South and its priorities, concerns and needs". He also offered to host the next AI Action Summit in India.
Pointing out that "today, India leads in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions on data privacy", Mr Modi said, "India is ready to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the AI future is for good, and for all."
Late on Monday evening (early Tuesday morning IST), the PM attended a dinner for the heads of state/government and other dignitaries hosted by the French President, where he interacted with Macron and the United States Vice President, along with other participating leaders and representatives of the technology industry.
It was the first interaction of Modi with Vance. The PM is understood to have congratulated the US V-P on the electoral victory.
On the sidelines of the AI Summit on Tuesday, Modi also had a bilateral meeting with the President of Estonia Alar Karis, in which both nations discussed cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, IT and digital among others. He invited the Estonian government and companies to invest in various sectors.
Late on Tuesday night (IST), the Prime Minister will also participate in a CEO forum in Paris, after which he will leave for the historic French port city of Marseille for talks with the French President, besides other engagements.
The PM will later head for the US on Wednesday, where he will later meet US President Donald Trump in Washington.
At a special briefing later, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said the AI summit adds another aspect to the growing strategic partnership between India and France. Asked about global competition in the AI race, he said India will not allow itself to be influenced by geopolitics in this regard.
India and France, have also collaborated in "preparing a cartograph to identify gaps in AI systems in major international organisations". India has also "joined the coalition in sustainable AI."
