Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The summit, which began on February 6, concluded with a High-Level Segment attended by heads of state, CEOs, and AI experts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris, where global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The summit aimed to address AI governance, accessibility, and responsible development, with discussions focused on how AI can be used for public good while managing potential risks.

The summit took place over a week, starting with Science Days on February 6-7, followed by a Cultural Weekend on February 8-9. The High-Level Segment, held on February 10-11, brought together world leaders, AI industry experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s impact on various sectors, including the economy, security, and public services. On February 10, President Macron hosted a dinner at the Élysée Palace, attended by heads of state, business leaders, and AI researchers. This gathering provided an opportunity for informal discussions on AI’s future and the challenges associated with its rapid growth.

At the plenary session on February 11, President Macron invited Prime Minister Modi to deliver the opening address. In his speech, Modi highlighted the growing role of AI in shaping governance, businesses, and everyday life. He emphasized that AI should be developed responsibly, with a focus on trust, transparency, and inclusivity. He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI is accessible to all, especially in developing countries, and spoke about India’s success in building digital public infrastructure for its 1.4 billion citizens. He also mentioned the need for a balanced approach to AI governance, where regulations manage risks without stifling innovation.

During his address, Prime Minister Modi outlined India’s progress in AI, including the country’s efforts to develop its own Large Language Model tailored to its diverse linguistic and cultural needs. He also discussed India’s National AI Mission, which aims to use AI for sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. Modi highlighted India’s role in fostering AI research and innovation and noted that the country has one of the largest pools of AI talent in the world.

A key announcement from the summit was that India will host the next AI Summit, continuing global discussions on AI governance, ethics, and innovation. Modi emphasized the importance of international collaboration in AI development to ensure that technology serves humanity while minimizing risks such as misinformation, job displacement, and security concerns. He reiterated that AI should be used for the collective good and that cooperation between nations is essential for setting ethical standards and regulatory frameworks.

Throughout the summit, discussions covered various aspects of AI development, including its use in public services, the need for fair and unbiased AI systems, and the importance of investing in AI skills for the future workforce. Participants also addressed concerns about AI’s energy consumption and its environmental impact, emphasizing the need for sustainable AI solutions. Leaders agreed on the importance of striking a balance between innovation and regulation, ensuring that AI remains beneficial without creating new challenges.

The summit concluded with support for the formation of the AI Foundation and the Council for Sustainable AI, two initiatives aimed at promoting ethical AI practices and sustainability. Modi welcomed these initiatives and expressed India’s willingness to contribute to their success. He also called for making the Global Partnership for AI more inclusive, particularly by involving the Global South and addressing its specific needs.

As AI continues to evolve, international cooperation remains essential in shaping its development. The AI Action Summit in Paris provided a platform for meaningful discussions on how AI can be used responsibly while ensuring that its benefits are shared globally. With India set to host the next AI Summit, the focus will remain on making AI more inclusive, transparent, and beneficial for society. The discussions in Paris laid the groundwork for continued collaboration on AI policies, ensuring that AI development aligns with global priorities and ethical standards.

Source – MEA