Modi calls for democratization of AI to benefit all of humanity

Heramba Nath

(herambanath504@gmail.com)

PM Modi recently addressed the AI Action Summit in Paris where he laid out his vision for artificial intelligence as a transformative force that must be democratized to benefit all of humanity. Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and global technology leaders, Modi underscored AI’s potential to reshape economies, governance, and societies while stressing the importance of ensuring that its advantages are accessible to all, particularly in developing nations. His speech highlighted not only India’s role in this technological shift but also the need for global cooperation in setting ethical standards for AI’s development and deployment.

AI is no longer just a tool of the future but an active agent of change in the present. It is writing ‘the code for humanity’ in this century, determining how societies function, how economies grow, and how governance evolves. From healthcare to education, from agriculture to security, AI is already proving to be a game-changer. However, its benefits remain concentrated in technologically advanced nations, leaving behind large segments of the world’s population. Modi’s call to action was clear: AI must be made accessible, responsible, and sustainable so that it serves humanity rather than exacerbates inequalities.

One of the key themes of Modi’s speech was the need to ensure that AI does not widen the gap between the developed and developing world. While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve efficiency, it can also lead to job displacement and increased social disparities if not managed properly. To counter these risks, Modi advocated for a model of AI development that prioritizes inclusivity. He stressed that AI should not be monopolized by a handful of corporations or nations but should be democratized so that smaller economies and businesses can also reap its benefits. This, he suggested, could be achieved through open-source AI models, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation in research and development.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of AI in governance, particularly in improving service delivery and making institutions more transparent and efficient. He cited India’s own digital transformation as an example of how technology can empower citizens. Initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and DigiLocker have already revolutionized access to financial and government services, making India a global leader in digital public infrastructure. Modi suggested that a similar approach could be taken with AI, ensuring that its deployment is people-centric and aimed at solving real-world problems.

A major highlight of Modi’s speech was his emphasis on India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a model for other nations to follow. He noted that India has successfully leveraged technology to create an inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits millions. DPI, built on open and interoperable digital frameworks, has enabled seamless digital identity verification, direct benefit transfers, and secure digital transactions, making governance more efficient and transparent. Modi pointed out that AI can enhance this existing infrastructure by enabling smarter decision-making, automating routine processes, and optimizing resource allocation. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostics and predictive analytics are already improving patient outcomes. In agriculture, AI-driven solutions are helping farmers optimize crop yields and reduce waste. These applications, he stressed, should not remain confined to India but should be made available to other nations as well.

His vision is to export India’s digital success story by collaborating with other countries to build similar frameworks. By sharing technology, expertise, and best practices, India can help bridge the global digital divide and ensure that AI serves as a force for collective progress rather than just individual gain.

While the promise of AI is immense, Modi also acknowledged the ethical dilemmas and risks associated with its rapid development. He warned that AI must be used responsibly, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI-driven misinformation must be addressed proactively. Modi called for global cooperation in establishing governance frameworks for AI. He emphasized that just as the world has come together to address challenges like climate change, a similar collaborative approach is needed for AI regulation. India and France have already been working together on sustainability initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Modi suggested that AI governance could follow a similar path.

He proposed that international institutions should take the lead in formulating guidelines that ensure AI remains aligned with human values. This includes creating ethical AI standards, setting up regulatory mechanisms to prevent harmful applications, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in AI development.

Beyond AI, Modi’s visit to Paris also focused on strengthening India-France relations. He attended a high-profile dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace, where he engaged with several distinguished global leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The meeting was significant not only for discussions on AI but also for broader economic and strategic partnerships. Modi took the opportunity to congratulate Vance on his victory in the U.S. presidential elections, signalling India’s continued commitment to strong international ties. Additionally, Modi participated in the India-France CEOs Forum, where he met top business leaders to explore new avenues of collaboration in technology, trade, and investment. The discussions focused on fostering innovation, expanding trade partnerships, and building stronger economic ties between the two nations. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to being a trusted technology and investment partner and highlighted the various reforms undertaken by his government to make India a more attractive destination for global businesses.

Modi’s speech at the AI Action Summit was not just about policy and technology but also about his broader vision for a human-centric approach to innovation. He made it clear that AI should not be seen as a mere business opportunity but as a tool for empowerment, capable of transforming lives and making societies more equitable. He highlighted how AI can be used to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, education, and climate change. In education, AI-driven personalized learning tools can help bridge learning gaps and make quality education more accessible. In disaster management, AI-powered predictive analytics can help mitigate risks and improve response times. By harnessing AI for social good, Modi argued, the world can create a future where technology uplifts rather than marginalizes.

As AI continues to shape the global landscape, Modi’s call to democratize technology serves as a guiding principle for the future. His message was clear: the benefits of AI must be shared, its risks must be managed collectively, and its development must align with ethical and human values. His speech at the AI Action Summit marked a pivotal moment in India’s technological leadership on the world stage. By championing inclusive AI, ethical governance, and international collaboration, Modi positioned India as a responsible and forward-thinking player in the AI revolution. His vision extends beyond just economic growth— it is about ensuring that the AI-driven future is one where innovation works for everyone, not just a privileged few.

In an era where AI is rapidly becoming the defining technology of our time, Modi’s emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and responsibility offers a roadmap for how nations can navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His address was not just a policy speech— it was a vision for a better, smarter, and more equitable world powered by technology.