Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Tuesday the imminent launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence-related computing capacities throughout the country. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
The primary objective of the AI Mission, as outlined by Prime Minister Modi, is to maximize the potential of AI computing in India while providing enhanced opportunities for startups and innovators. The initiative will focus on promoting the application of AI technologies in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Modi highlighted the utilization of the existing network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the nation to foster AI skills and learning in tier-II and tier-III cities.
During his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the negative impacts and unethical use of AI, emphasizing the necessity for a global framework on artificial intelligence. Modi proposed the creation of an international protocol for the ethical use of AI, including guidelines for testing and deploying high-risk and frontier AI tools.
Discussing the potential risks and challenges associated with AI, Modi called for an “extremely cautious” approach, pointing out the darker aspects, including the potential weaponization of the technology by non-state actors. He emphasized the transformative nature of AI but stressed the importance of making it as transparent as possible.
Modi also highlighted the role of AI in achieving sustainable development goals and underscored the need for inclusive AI technology development to prevent societal disparities.
The GPAI Summit, a three-day conference on artificial intelligence, is hosting key governing body meetings and various side events with participation from 29 member countries and some invitees. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the summit, emphasizing that trust in AI will grow when ethical, economic, and social aspects are effectively addressed.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, mentioned that India is negotiating a declaration document to be signed by member countries at the summit. The annual GPAI Summit, which commenced on December 12 in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, focuses on discussions surrounding AI safety and development challenges.
Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that AI’s transparency and freedom from bias in data and algorithms are crucial steps toward democratizing AI technology and building trust in its usage. China is notably absent from the 29-member GPAI, with India slated to lead the grouping in 2024.
