New Delhi, February 19 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday advocated for democratizing artificial intelligence and making it a tool for inclusion and empowerment, stating that humans should not be reduced to mere data points or raw material.
India believes that artificial intelligence will truly serve the good of the world when it is shared and its codes are open, asserting that the country does not fear AI but sees a fortune in it and a blueprint for the future.
Addressing the India AI Impact Summit, Modi said, "We need to give AI an open sky, but at the same time, we need to keep control in our hands."
"AI will make our systems smarter, more efficient, and more impactful. It will open up more opportunities for people to take on creative roles. It is a major opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of new industries," he said at the event attended by world leaders and CEOs of leading companies.
"Some countries believe that AI should be developed in a confidential and closed manner. But India is different. We believe that AI will truly serve the good of the world when it is shared and its codes are open. Only then will millions of young minds be able to further improve it," he said.
Modi said there are two types of people in the world today: those who see fear in AI, and those who see fortune in AI.
"I proudly and responsibly say that we do not see fear. India sees fortune in AI, India sees a future in AI. In AI, India sees opportunity and the blueprint for the future," he asserted.
He said the expo is taking place in India, which represents one sixth of humanity and a country with the world's largest young population and a hub for the largest tech talent pool.
"Artificial intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history. India is not just a part of the AI revolution, but is leading and shaping it," he said.
The prime minister said that India not only builds technology but also adopts it at an unprecedented pace.
"Some people have doubts about new technology. But the way the younger generation is embracing AI is unprecedented. There has also been tremendous enthusiasm here regarding the AI Summit exhibition," he said.
"In the course of human history, there have been certain turning points that shaped entire centuries. These turning points set the direction of civilization and transform the pace of development. Artificial intelligence is one such transformation in history," he noted.
World leaders attending the summit at the Bharat Mandapam include French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
Modi said that India builds new technology and also adapts it rapidly, but the real question is not what AI can do in the future, "it is what we can do with AI in the present."
He said that AI is a transformative power; if it strays away from its goals, it will lead to destruction, and if used well, it will provide solutions.
"The welfare and happiness of all is our benchmark for AI, to ensure that humans don't become a data point or raw material, we have to democratize AI. We have to give AI an open sky, but at the same time, we need to keep control in our hands," he said.
The prime minister said that AI is making machines intelligent and at the same time, it is multiplying human capabilities many times over.
India's perspective on AI is reflected in the theme of this summit, which is welfare and happiness for all, he said.
Modi said the present journey from machine learning to learning machine is not only rapid, but also profound and extensive.
"Therefore, we must keep our vision grand and fulfill our responsibility with equal magnitude. Along with the present generation, we must also be concerned about what form of AI we will hand over to the coming generations," he said.
"It must be made a means of inclusion and empowerment, and especially in the Global South," he said.
Modi also presented a vision for AI and named it as 'MANAV' (Human) with M standing for moral and ethical systems, A for accountable governance, N for national sovereignty, A for accessible and inclusive, and V for valid and legitimate.
"We also have talent. We also have the energy capacity and policy clarity. I am pleased to share with you that at this summit, three Indian companies have launched their AI models and applications. These models showcase the talent of our youth. They also reflect the solutions that India is offering to the world," he said.
Other attendees at the event included Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Estonia President Alar Karis, and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.