NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for the democratization of artificial intelligence, saying it must become a tool for inclusion, empowerment and a force for global good, especially across the Global South, while targeting countries and companies that view artificial intelligence as a strategic asset that must be developed in secrecy. Questioning the hurdles that have emerged around the development of artificial intelligence as it is being leveraged by countries and companies as a powerhouse and profit multiplier, Modi said India is thinking differently. “It is said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. We believe that AI will only benefit the world when it is shared. When codes are open and shared, millions of young minds can make them safer and better. Therefore, let us resolve to develop AI as a global shared good,” he said. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit with heads of foreign governments, tech giants and representatives of 100 countries in attendance, Modi warned against reducing individuals to “mere data points or raw materials” and unveiled India’s approach under MANAV for “Responsible AI”. He said the transformative power of artificial intelligence should be doubled.At a time when concerns are growing about artificial intelligence, which, while generating impressive benefits in diverse areas, could lead to risks ranging from autonomous weapons systems, machines being freed from the control of developers, and hacks that widen the gap between powerful nations and others, the Prime Minister struck a positive but cautious tone.
He noted caution about consequences that were only recently imaginable, but focused on the enthusiasm with which young people approached what he called the latest turning points in history.“Today, the world is divided into two types of people: those who see fear in AI and only talk about that fear, and those who see luck in AI. I say responsibly and proudly that India does not see fear in AI, India sees wealth in AI.
Modi said India sees the future in artificial intelligence.Acknowledging the task facing governments and societies, he said that while history has witnessed many turning points, the transformative change represented by artificial intelligence is unprecedented in speed and scale.The Prime Minister sought to balance increasingly desperate cries to regulate AI with those who say restrictions could stifle innovation, and thus kill potential breakthroughs, which hold the key to the challenges of Alzheimer’s, cancer and climate change.
“We must give AI the open sky, but keep it in our hands. Just like GPS – it suggests the way – but the final decision of direction is ours. The path we choose for AI today will determine the future we create tomorrow,” he said.The United States wants to make sure the world uses America’s AI portfolio, said Sriram Krishnan, the White House’s senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence, on Wednesday.India’s view on AI is reflected in the theme of the summit – Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukaya – Welfare for All, Happiness for All – and this is India’s standard, Modi said.
The emergence of artificial intelligence represents a turning point for human civilization, he said, urging global leaders and innovators to ensure that technology remains human-centered, inclusive and ethically governed.Highlighting the need to set global standards, the Prime Minister pointed out deepfake and fabricated content that leads to instability in open societies. Drawing a comparison with nutrition labels on food that make a person aware of what they are eating, the Prime Minister said the digital world should have authenticity labels on content so that people know what is real and what is generated by artificial intelligence.“As AI creates more text, images and videos, the need for watermarks and clear source standards is growing in the industry. This is why it is essential to build this trust in the technology from the beginning,” he added.The Prime Minister said that besides the current generation, there is a need to consider what form of artificial intelligence future generations will get. Drawing another parallel with nuclear energy, where the world has witnessed its destructive power and positive contributions, Modi said: “AI is also a transformative force – if directionless, it leads to disruption; if properly directed, it becomes a solution. How to make AI human-centric, sensitive and responsible is the primary goal of the AI Impact Summit.”
