PM Modi meets UN Secretary-General on AI Action Summit sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday in Paris during the sidelines of the AI Action Summit.

“Happy to have met UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres in Paris,” PM Modi said on X.

Addressing the summit, Guterres warned of the risks posed by unequal access to AI technology, calling for measures to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. “A growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides. We must prevent a world of AI ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’ AI must bridge the gap between developed and developing countries — not widen it,” he said on X.

PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The week-long event concluded with a High-Level Segment featuring global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative potential of AI, noting its impact on humanity, politics, economics, security, and society. He stressed the need for collaborative global governance to establish ethical standards and trust in AI technology.

PM Modi underscored that governance should not only focus on risk management but also foster innovation for the global good. PM emphasized the importance of democratizing technology and ensuring AI access for the Global South, making sustainable development goals more achievable.

PM pointed to the success of India and France’s sustainability partnership, particularly through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, and expressed confidence in their continued collaboration for a smart and responsible future.

PM Modi highlighted India’s achievements in creating a Digital Public Infrastructure for its 1.4 billion citizens using open and accessible technology. Discussing India’s AI Mission, he announced the development of a Large Language Model tailored to India’s diversity and affirmed India’s readiness to share its expertise to ensure AI benefits everyone.

The Prime Minister also revealed that India would host the next AI Summit.

The summit’s High-Level Segment opened with a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace on February 10, attended by heads of state, international organization leaders, major AI company CEOs, and other distinguished participants.