By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
At the AI Action Summit in France, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the stage for a thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence (AI). With a simple yet striking experiment, he highlighted both the power and pitfalls of AI.
“If you upload your medical report to an AI app, it can decode complex medical jargon into simple terms. But if you ask the same app to draw an image of a person writing with their left hand, it will likely show someone writing with their right. Why? Because the AI’s training data is dominated by right-handed examples.”
This, he explained, underscores the biases inherent in AI and the need for global governance, inclusivity, and ethical innovation.
AI: A Global Force That Demands Collective Action
AI is reshaping economies, security frameworks, and societies at an unprecedented pace. Unlike previous technological revolutions, AI is deeply interconnected across borders, requiring collective global efforts to establish governance frameworks that promote innovation while addressing risks.
“Governance is not just about managing risks; it’s also about fostering innovation and ensuring AI benefits everyone, especially in the Global South,” Modi stated.
He called for open-source AI systems, unbiased datasets, and accessible AI infrastructure, particularly for regions lacking financial and technical resources.
AI for Public Good: From Healthcare to Sustainable Development
Modi emphasized AI’s transformative potential across critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, paving the way for accelerated progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, to make AI effective, he stressed the importance of cybersecurity, combating misinformation, and addressing deepfake threats.
“We must pool our resources, develop people-centric AI applications, and ensure technology is rooted in local ecosystems,” he urged.
AI and Jobs: A Transformation, Not a Loss
One of the biggest concerns surrounding AI is its impact on jobs. However, Modi reassured that history has repeatedly shown that technology does not eliminate jobs; it transforms them.
“The nature of work changes, and new opportunities emerge. To prepare for an AI-driven future, we must invest in skilling and reskilling our workforce,” he asserted, emphasizing India’s commitment to equipping its people with future-ready skills.
Sustainable AI: Powering Innovation with Green Energy
AI’s rapid growth comes with a high energy footprint, making sustainability a crucial aspect of AI development. Modi highlighted India and France’s International Solar Alliance, which aims to power AI’s future with renewable energy.
“AI must strive for the same efficiency as the human brain, which can compose poetry and design space missions using less energy than a lightbulb,” he said, underscoring the need for energy-conscious AI models.
India’s AI Leadership: From Digital Infrastructure to Global Collaboration
India has built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at minimal cost, fostering AI innovation through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Under its National AI Mission, the country is developing its own Large Language Model (LLM) while ensuring affordability for startups and researchers.
“India leads in AI adoption, data privacy solutions, and AI applications for public good. We are ready to share our expertise to ensure AI is harnessed for all,” Modi emphasized.
The Dawn of an AI Era: A Call for Responsible Innovation
As AI advances, concerns about machines surpassing human intelligence continue to surface. However, Modi reminded the world that the future of AI must be shaped by human responsibility and ethical leadership.
“No one but us holds the key to our collective future. That sense of responsibility must guide us,” he concluded, setting the tone for a future where AI is inclusive, transparent, and a force for good.
