In a momentous event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in New Delhi, shedding light on the intricate relationship between AI, ethics, and development. With India taking the lead as the chair of GPAI in 2024, the summit becomes a focal point for addressing the challenges and opportunities at the nexus of artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and global progress.
The Prime Minister commenced by expressing both enthusiasm and caution about the ongoing global dialogue on artificial intelligence. Recognizing the dual nature of AI—being a potent tool for development but also holding the potential for destructive consequences—he emphasized the collective responsibility of nations. This responsibility, as per Prime Minister Modi, lies in ensuring that the AI discourse, particularly at forums like the GPAI Summit, guides the trajectory of AI development while safeguarding the fundamental roots of humanity.
India’s pivotal role in the AI landscape was underscored by the Prime Minister, who highlighted the nation’s leadership in AI talent and innovative ideas. The vibrant spirit of Indian youth, pushing the boundaries of AI technology, was showcased through exhibits at the AI Expo. The Prime Minister drew attention to AI’s positive impact in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals.
A noteworthy aspect of the Prime Minister’s address was the emphasis on inclusive AI development. He stressed that as AI connects people, it should not only drive economic development but also ensure equality and social justice. To achieve this, the Prime Minister called for a more inclusive development journey for AI, where democratic values play a pivotal role. He cautioned against neglecting these values, asserting that the direction of AI development must align with human values, ethics, and efficiency.
Acknowledging the negative aspects of AI, including challenges like deepfake, cyber threats, and potential misuse by terrorist organizations, Prime Minister Modi advocated for countermeasures. India’s proposal for a framework on Responsible Human-Centric AI governance during its G20 Presidency received a spotlight, emphasizing the commitment of member countries to ‘AI Principles.’
The Prime Minister outlined India’s comprehensive approach to AI, including the initiation of a National Program on Artificial Intelligence and the upcoming AI Mission. These endeavors aim to harness AI capabilities for social development and inclusive growth while ensuring responsible and ethical usage. The push for AI education in Tier 2 and 3 cities, coupled with the promotion of AI initiatives through the national AI portal, showcases India’s commitment to democratizing AI access.
In the quest for a sustainable AI ecosystem, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of transparency, trust, and transformation. Addressing the potential downsides of AI, he urged for measures to ensure transparency in data usage and the elimination of bias. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for a global AI education curriculum, standardized AI preparation, and upskilling initiatives to prepare individuals for an AI-driven future.
As the GPAI Summit unfolds, the Prime Minister called for collaboration to enhance AI’s credibility, proposing questions on data sets, testing protocols, and the introduction of a Software Watermark for AI-generated products. His directives to government stakeholders included exploring existing scheme data for evidence-based decision-making and developing an audit mechanism for categorizing AI tools based on capabilities.
In conclusion, the GPAI Summit serves as a crucial platform for the exchange of ideas and a learning experience for delegates from around the world. As the global community delves into various facets of AI, the outcomes are expected to shape a responsible and sustainable future. With a vision for inclusive, ethical, and transformative AI development, the summit is poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue on the clash of AI, ethics, and development.