Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the critical role India plays in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape, emphasizing that AI development would remain incomplete without the nation’s involvement. Speaking to renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, Modi highlighted India’s growing prominence in the field and asserted that the AI revolution cannot reach its full potential without India’s contribution.
During the engaging two-and-a-half-hour conversation, Modi made a strong statement, saying, “I am making this statement very responsibly. Can anyone develop AI entirely on their own?” He emphasized that, despite global advancements, “No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India.”
Drawing a parallel with India’s rapid 5G rollout, Modi explained how the world once believed India was behind in terms of technology adoption. “Once we started, we became the fastest nation globally to roll out comprehensive 5G networks,” he remarked. Modi stressed that India is not just focusing on theoretical AI models but is actively developing AI applications tailored to real-world needs, ensuring accessibility to AI tools across all sectors. He highlighted the creation of a unique marketplace model aimed at making AI technologies available to everyone.
The Prime Minister also shared a conversation with an American tech executive, who noted the vast difference in India’s talent pool compared to the U.S. “If they advertised engineering jobs in the U.S., they’d barely fill a room. In India, even a football field wouldn’t suffice to accommodate applicants,” Modi said. He stressed that India’s greatest strength lies in its enormous talent pool, particularly among its youth.
Modi further explained that AI is driven by human intelligence, adding, “Artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence. Without genuine human intelligence, AI can’t thrive or progress sustainably.” He emphasized that India’s young population represents a significant reservoir of that intelligence, which will be key to advancing AI.
When questioned about concerns that AI might replace human workers, Modi dismissed these fears, noting that humans have continuously adapted to technological advancements. “Every time technology advanced, humans adapted and stayed a step ahead,” he said. “The real power of AI is that it forces humans to reflect on what it truly means to be human. No technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind.”
Modi concluded his remarks by reflecting on the human ability to care for one another, stating, “Humans have an innate ability to care for each other. Now, can someone tell me, is AI capable of this?”
His comments further solidified India’s central role in the development and ethical deployment of AI technologies, highlighting the country’s unique strengths and vision for the future.
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