RNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve lives across sectors such as health, education, and agriculture during his speech at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris. Co-chairing the summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi highlighted the need for responsible AI governance and inclusive development to harness its full potential.
Speaking at the Grand Palais, Modi thanked President Macron for hosting the summit and underscored AI’s rapidly evolving impact on the global economy, security, and society. He stressed the importance of global collaboration to ensure AI is developed ethically and responsibly. The Prime Minister noted that India had built an inclusive digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people, providing an open and accessible network with extensive applications that modernize governance, reform the economy, and enhance people’s lives at a low cost.
Modi emphasized that effective governance isn’t just about managing conflicts but also fostering innovation for global betterment. He called for global discussions on innovation and governance, stressing that access to technology must be guaranteed for all, particularly in the Global South. AI, he noted, can play a significant role in improving critical areas such as health, education, and agriculture, ultimately transforming millions of lives.
The Prime Minister also addressed the need to tackle emerging challenges like cybersecurity threats, disinformation, and deepfakes, advocating for technology that is rooted in local ecosystems to maximize its effectiveness. He highlighted India’s leadership in AI adoption and its efforts in creating techno-legal solutions focused on data privacy.
PM Modi urged nations to invest in skills development, ensuring people are prepared for an AI-driven future. He emphasized that AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and countries must collaborate to create governance frameworks and standards that uphold shared values, mitigate risks, and build trust. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister underscored that AI is shaping the future of humanity in the 21st century.
