India is set to host the next international summit on artificial intelligence after co-hosting the recent event in Paris with France on February 10 and 11, according to French President Emmanuel Macron’s office.
During his address at Paris’s Grand Palais, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s willingness to take on the responsibility of organizing the upcoming AI summit. “India would be happy to host the next AI summit,” Modi announced, signaling the country’s readiness to lead discussions on AI at the global level.
In his speech, Modi highlighted both the transformative potential and the inherent challenges of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing its profound influence on society. “AI is already re-shaping our polity, our economy, our security, and even our society. AI is writing the code for humanity in this century,” he stated, underscoring AI’s far-reaching impact across multiple domains.
Acknowledging the rapid advancements in AI, Modi stressed the importance of international collaboration to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared global values. “There is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust,” he said. This call for cooperation reflects growing concerns about ethical AI use and the necessity for common standards.
One of the key concerns Modi addressed was AI’s effect on employment. He acknowledged the apprehension surrounding job displacement but provided a historical perspective to counter such fears. “Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption. But, history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes and new types of jobs are created,” Modi remarked. He emphasized the need for large-scale investment in skill development and workforce training to equip people for an AI-driven economy.
Sustainability in AI development was another crucial topic Modi highlighted. He stressed the importance of clean energy in supporting AI’s future. “This will require green power to fuel its future,” he stated, drawing attention to the energy demands of AI infrastructure. He noted that India and France were already working together on sustainability initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, reinforcing the need for AI models that are both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. Modi further likened AI’s energy efficiency to that of the human brain, advocating for sustainable AI advancements.
Discussing India’s role in AI innovation, Modi detailed the country’s accomplishments in creating a Digital Public Infrastructure that serves 1.4 billion people. He pointed out that India’s investments in AI technology have significantly improved accessibility and affordability in critical sectors. He also highlighted the National AI Mission, which aims to develop AI applications for public welfare. India, he noted, is leading the way in AI adoption while ensuring data privacy solutions remain a priority.
“We are developing AI applications for public good. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. India is building its own Large Language Model considering our diversity,” he said. His remarks reinforced India’s position as a key player in AI innovation while demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation in AI research and development.
The Prime Minister also addressed broader concerns about AI’s future and its implications for human intelligence. While some fear AI surpassing human intelligence, Modi maintained that humans ultimately hold control over technological advancements. “Some people worry about machines becoming superior in intelligence to humans. But, no one holds the key to our collective future and shared destiny other than us humans,” he stated. His remarks underscored the responsibility of humanity in shaping AI’s trajectory through ethical and balanced governance.
India’s commitment to AI development and governance reflects its growing role as a leader in the global AI ecosystem. With the next AI summit set to take place in India, the country is poised to play a significant role in shaping international AI policies and fostering discussions on responsible AI deployment.