AI writing code for the century, says PM Modi

Collective global efforts alone can create governance and standards for artificial intelligence (AI) that address risks and build trust while simultaneously promoting innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while co-chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Addressing a gathering that included French President Emmanuel Macron, the co-chair of the summit, US vice president JD Vance, and Chinese vice-premier Zhang Guoqing, Modi emphasised that Al's governance structure must ensure access for all, especially the Global South.

"AI is already reshaping our polity, our economy, our security and even our society. AI is writing the code for humanity in this century. But, it is very different from other technology milestones in human history," he said.

The summit has attracted world leaders, tech executives and policymakers amid differences over regulating a technology that is impacting security, economics and governance. India and France have an approach to AI that is mid-way between the Chinese model of complete control through state-backed tech giants, and the US's opposition to "excessive regulation", as highlighted by Vance. The differences were evident with the US and the UK not signing on for the summit declaration.

Modi said the governance of AI should manage risks and rivalries, promote innovation and ensure its use for global good since it can transform millions of lives by improving health, education and agriculture and ensuring the faster implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Modi's contention that humans will continue to hold the key despite the development of technologies such as AI was backed by Vance, who said the technology will make people more productive but won't replace human beings.

"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," Modi said.