Artificial Intelligence for All

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a global framework on Artificial Intelligence at the AI Action Summit in Paris marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by this transformative technology. His emphasis on open-source AI ecosystems, trust, transparency, and inclusivity reflects a forward-looking vision that aligns with the needs of a rapidly evolving digital world. As AI continues to reshape economies, societies, and governance, Modi’s advocacy for collective global action is both timely and necessary. AI’s potential to revolutionise sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture is undeniable. However, as Modi rightly pointed out, its development must be free from biases and rooted in local ecosystems to ensure its effectiveness.
The Prime Minister’s focus on democratising AI and making it accessible to the Global South is particularly commendable. While developed nations lead in AI innovation, developing countries often lack the resources, talent, and infrastructure to harness its benefits. By advocating for inclusive governance and equitable access, Modi has highlighted the importance of bridging this gap. His offer to host the next AI Action Summit in India further underscores India’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in this domain. PM Modi’s remarks also addressed the apprehensions surrounding AI, particularly job displacement. His assertion that technology transforms rather than eliminates jobs is a reassuring reminder of history’s lessons. However, this transformation requires proactive investment in skilling and reskilling the workforce to prepare for an AI-driven future. India’s leadership in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions, such as data privacy frameworks, positions it as a key player in shaping global AI governance.
The partnership between nations, as demonstrated by the collaboration between India, France, and the US at the summit, is crucial for establishing ethical standards and mitigating risks like cybersecurity threats and disinformation. Modi’s call for unity in vision and purpose resonates deeply in a world where AI’s impact transcends borders. As AI continues to shape humanity’s future, it is imperative that its benefits are shared equitably, and its risks are managed collectively.