PM Modi at Paris AI Action Summit: Call for Global Cooperation and Responsible AI Governance
Highlighting the “dawn of the AI age,” PM Modi at Paris AI Summit stressed the need for collective global efforts to create AI governance standards that uphold shared values, address risks, and build trust.
Speaking as co-chair of the AI Action Summit in Paris, PM Modi outlined his vision for using AI to drive global development while ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability. He emphasised that humans, not machines, hold the key to shaping the future. “That sense of responsibility must guide us,” he said.
Responsible AI for a Better Future
PM Modi warned that AI’s rapid development requires thoughtful governance, not just to manage risks but also to promote innovation for the global good. He called for open discussions on innovation and governance to ensure AI benefits all, especially nations in the Global South.
“AI can transform lives by improving healthcare, education, and agriculture,” he said. He encouraged collaboration to create open-source systems, build unbiased data sets, and develop people-centric AI applications. “We must address cyber security, disinformation, and deep fakes while rooting AI in local ecosystems for maximum impact,” Modi added.
On the fear of job losses due to AI, Modi assured that history shows technology does not eliminate jobs but changes their nature. He urged investment in skilling and reskilling to prepare for an AI-driven future.
Sustainable AI: A New Priority
PM Modi highlighted the importance of green energy in powering AI’s future. He cited India’s leadership in sustainability through the International Solar Alliance with France and called for AI models that are not just powerful but also resource-efficient.
“The human brain can compose poetry and design spaceships with less power than a light bulb,” Modi remarked, urging developers to focus on sustainable AI practices.
India’s AI Leadership and Global Cooperation
Sharing India’s achievements, Modi described India’s digital public infrastructure built for over 1.4 billion people at a low cost. He emphasised that India’s approach relies on open networks, robust regulations, and wide-ranging applications to transform governance and empower citizens.
“Our data empowerment and protection architecture has made digital commerce democratic and accessible to all,” Modi said. He also highlighted India’s National AI Mission and its efforts to build a large language model tailored to India’s diversity.
India’s unique public-private partnership model provides affordable compute power to startups and researchers. “We are ready to share our expertise to ensure AI benefits everyone,” Modi concluded.
Global Leaders in Attendance
French President Emmanuel Macron, US Vice President J.D. Vance, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were present as PM Modi delivered his speech.
The AI Action Summit signals growing India-France cooperation in technology. It comes at a time when the US and China are locked in fierce competition for AI dominance. After the summit, Modi and Macron are scheduled to attend the India-France CEOs Forum to strengthen business ties between the two nations.
PM Modi will travel to the US on February 12-13 for high-level meetings in Washington, DC.
with inputs from Reuters