Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address at the AI Summit in Paris, calling for democratic and accessible artificial intelligence (AI) technologies while emphasizing the necessity of bias-free data sets. He stressed that AI is not just a technological advancement but a defining force shaping humanity in this century. Modi highlighted how AI is already transforming governance, economies, security frameworks, and social structures worldwide, urging for a balanced approach that ensures both responsible governance and continued innovation.
Modi noted that AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace, being adopted and integrated into various sectors faster than any other technology in history. Given this rapid expansion, he emphasized the need for a collective global approach to AI governance, one that upholds shared values, addresses potential risks, and fosters trust among nations. He asserted that regulation should not be solely about mitigating risks but also about fostering an environment where AI can thrive and be used for the collective good.
The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of ensuring equitable AI access, particularly for the Global South, where resource constraints often limit technological advancements. He pointed out that AI has the potential to drastically improve lives by enhancing healthcare services, revolutionizing education systems, optimizing agricultural practices, and accelerating progress toward sustainable development goals. To achieve this, he stressed the necessity of creating open-source AI systems that promote transparency, accountability, and trust. He also called for the development of high-quality data sets free from biases, ensuring that AI models are fair and representative of diverse populations.
Highlighting India's contributions to the AI revolution, Modi revealed that the country is actively developing its own large language model, designed to cater to India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. He praised India's unique public-private partnership model, which pools computational resources and expertise to drive AI innovation, setting an example for other nations to follow.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke before Modi, focused on the need to streamline regulations in Europe to facilitate AI innovation. He warned that excessive bureaucratic hurdles could hinder AI growth and urged for a more flexible regulatory framework that encourages advancements in the field.
US Vice President JD Vance, addressing the summit after Modi, echoed the Indian leader’s sentiment that AI should be an enabler rather than a replacement for human labor. He emphasized that AI must serve as a tool to boost productivity and efficiency rather than render human workers obsolete. Vance also raised concerns about ideological biases in AI systems, stressing that regulatory frameworks should ensure AI remains neutral and fair.
The AI Summit in Paris brought together global leaders and experts to discuss the intersection of AI innovation and governance. While Modi emphasized inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical AI development, Macron focused on regulatory efficiency, and Vance highlighted the importance of preventing bias while fostering industry growth. The discussions underscored the urgent need for international collaboration in shaping AI policies that balance innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring that AI remains a force for progress and positive transformation worldwide.
