AI is writing the code for humanity, Modi cautions at Paris summit

Artificial intelligence (AI) is writing the code for humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his inaugural address at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday, while stressing on the need for collective global efforts to establish AI governance and standards “that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust.”

Modi emphasized the transformative potential and inherent challenges of AI as it reshapes global societies and economies, while underlining the profound impact of AI on human endeavors from governance to healthcare.

In a summit attended by global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, and UN Chief Antonio Guterres, Modi highlighted the dual nature of AI—its ability to democratize information while perpetuating existing biases by illustrating it with how an AI app can simplify medical diagnostics yet may misrepresent less common traits, such as left-handedness, due to data bias.

The summit, co-chaired by Modi and Macron, focused on establishing a framework for AI that promotes ethical standards and governance.

Modi stressed the importance of international collaboration in creating governance structures that uphold shared values and address global challenges such as cybersecurity and misinformation.

The prime minister pointed out that while AI poses risks like job displacement, history shows that technology ultimately changes the nature of work rather than displaces it entirely.

From Paris, Modi is set to travel to the US, continuing his two-nation tour aimed at bolstering India’s strategic partnerships and enhancing cooperation in AI and other key sectors.

During his stay in Paris, he will also engage in bilateral talks with Macron to further strengthen the Indo-French strategic partnership, especially in areas such as sustainable AI and digital infrastructure.

Modi also touched upon the environmental impact of AI technologies, advocating for energy-efficient solutions that align with global sustainability goals, such as those championed by the International Solar Alliance—an initiative co-led by India and France.

“India and France have worked together for years through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to harness the power of the sun. As we advance our partnership to AI, it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future,” Modi said.

“At the same time, sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs and resource requirements. After all, the human brain manages to compose poetry and design space ships using less power than most lightbulbs,” he added.

Modi also outlined India’s efforts in building a robust digital public infrastructure that is both inclusive and sustainable, serving as a model for responsible AI usage worldwide.

“We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. India is building its own large language model considering our diversity. We also have a unique public-private partnership model for pooling resources like compute power, which is made available to startups and researchers at an affordable cost, Modi said, while adding that “India is ready to share its expertise to ensure that the AI future is for good, and for all.”

“We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity. 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. That sense of responsibility must guide us,” he added.