Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a compelling address at the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit in Italy, emphasized the importance of democratising technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure widespread societal benefits. His speech highlighted three critical areas of focus for India: technology and AI, energy security and affordability, and efficient last-mile service delivery.
During his address, PM Modi urged global leaders to collaborate in making technology accessible to all, rather than allowing it to be monopolized by a few. He underscored the necessity of using technology to bridge social inequalities and empower individuals across all strata of society.
“Technology and AI have the potential to transform lives, but this transformation must be inclusive,” PM Modi stated. “We must ensure that the benefits of technology reach every section of society, realizing the potential of every individual. It’s about expanding human powers, not limiting them.”
“The twenty-first century is the century of technology. There is hardly any aspect of human life that is deprived of the influence of technology. While on one hand technology gives the courage to take man to the moon, on the other hand it also creates challenges like cyber security,” said PM Modi in his intervention.
He in particular suggested converting monopolies in technology into mass usage. “We have to convert monopoly in technology into mass usage.”
Monopolisation means complete control of something, which prevents other people or companies, from having any share, influence, or access.
“We have to make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society,” the prime minister said.
India, he said, is striving for a better future through its human-centric approach. India is among the first few countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence. India has taken the path of building public digital infrastructure for serving citizens and UPI, Jan Dhan, Aadhar, ONDC and CoWin are some of the examples. A key emphasis of the Indian government has been on ensuring that the benefits of its innovation are not limited to India only; other countries, too, benefit from it.
He also touched upon the A.I. Mission. He said the mission is derived from the mantra “AI for All”.
As a founding member and lead chair of the Global Partnership for AI, PM Modi said India is promoting cooperation among all countries.
“During the G-20 Summit hosted by India last year, we emphasized the importance of international governance in the field of A.I. In the time to come, we will continue to work together with all countries to make A.I. transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible,” the prime minister added.
On the use of AI, India’s stance has always been that the internet and every other emerging technology should be deployed in a “safe and trusted” manner.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, PM Modi travelled to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit earlier this week. This was his first overseas visit since assuming office for the third consecutive term. (With inputs from ANI)
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