Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the opening address as the co-chair of the AI Summit, setting the stage for a high-level global dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence. His speech underscored the transformative impact of AI, not just as a technological innovation but as a force reshaping the global polity, economy, security, and society. He called for a collective effort to establish governance frameworks that promote trust, mitigate risks, and harness AI for the global good.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi noted that humanity stands at the threshold of the AI age, a period where artificial intelligence is rapidly “writing the code for humanity.” Unlike past technological advancements, AI’s impact is profound and far-reaching, influencing every aspect of human life. He emphasized that its governance must not be reactive but proactive, ensuring that AI aligns with shared global values while fostering innovation.
Addressing concerns about AI’s potential risks—such as job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and security threats—PM Modi stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive framework to manage these challenges. He called for global collaboration in defining standards that promote safety, fairness, and accountability in AI development and deployment.
A key highlight of Modi’s address was his strong advocacy for making AI accessible to all, particularly the Global South. He argued that technology should not be monopolized by a few but should serve humanity at large. AI’s potential to address pressing global challenges—such as healthcare, education, and climate change—should be fully realized through equitable access and affordability.
He linked this vision to India’s commitment to democratizing technology and fostering people-centric AI applications. The Prime Minister stated that AI must be a tool for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that technological progress translates into real-world benefits for the most vulnerable populations.
During his speech, PM Modi also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in AI governance. He referenced the success of the India-France sustainability partnership, which has led to initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. This partnership, he noted, serves as a model for AI collaboration, highlighting that both nations are now joining forces to foster an “innovation partnership for a smart and responsible future.”
By aligning their strengths in technology, research, and policy, India and France aim to ensure that AI development remains ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all. Modi’s remarks reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with like-minded nations to set global AI standards that balance innovation with responsibility.
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s speech was dedicated to India’s technological achievements, particularly its success in building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He highlighted that India, home to 1.4 billion people, has leveraged open and accessible technology to transform governance, financial inclusion, and digital empowerment.
Expanding on India’s AI initiatives, PM Modi announced that the country is developing its own Large Language Model (LLM) tailored to its diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. This model aims to make AI more inclusive and representative, addressing the needs of India’s multilingual society. He reiterated India’s readiness to share its expertise with the world, ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely distributed.
In a major announcement, Prime Minister Modi declared that India will host the next AI Summit, signaling the country’s leadership in global AI discourse. This decision underscores India’s growing role as a hub for technological innovation and its commitment to shaping AI’s ethical and policy frameworks.
By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, the upcoming AI Summit in India aims to drive forward discussions on AI governance, innovation, and equitable access. Modi expressed confidence that the event would serve as a platform to further global cooperation in AI development and regulation.
As AI continues to evolve, PM Modi’s speech set a clear agenda for the global community: governance must not stifle innovation but ensure that AI serves humanity. His call for responsible AI, democratized technology, and cross-border collaboration resonated strongly with world leaders, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to managing AI’s impact.
India’s proactive stance—rooted in technological inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical AI—positions it as a key player in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. With the next AI Summit set to take place in India, the country is poised to lead global discussions on ensuring that AI is harnessed for the collective good.
