'AI cannot thrive without India': PM Modi on India's role in global AI race

"Artificial intelligence cannot thrive without India," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a wide-ranging conversation with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman. Talking about India's role in AI, Modi asserted the country’s vast talent pool and problem-solving capabilities, which he said position India as a crucial player in the global AI race.

He also asserted that no technology could ever replace the human mind and creativity. Fridman asked him how could India become the leader in the space of AI, to which the Prime Minister said: "One thing I’m about to say might sound strong, and it may even upset some people, but since you’ve asked, I’ll speak openly from my heart. No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India. I’m making this statement very responsibly."

Referencing his speech at the AI Summit in Paris last month, the Prime Minister asked Fridman what he thought about his speech, to which Fridman replied saying it was "brilliant".

The PM said AI development is fundamentally a collaboration. "Everyone involved supports one another through shared experiences and learning. India isn’t just developing theoretical AI models. It is actively working on and bringing to life AI-driven applications for very specific use cases to ensure that GPU access is available to every section of society. We have already created a unique marketplace-based model to ensure its broad accessibility. A significant mindset shift is taking place in India, though historical influences, traditional government procedures or the lack of strong support infrastructure made us appear as lagging behind others."

Citing the example of 5G technology, the PM said the world initially believed India was far behind, but once it started, it became the fastest nation globally to roll out comprehensive 5G networks. "India has access to an extraordinarily vast pool of talent, and that’s our greatest strength. After all, artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence. Without genuine human intelligence, AI can’t thrive or progress sustainably, and that real intelligence exists abundantly in India’s youth and talent pool, and I believe that’s our greatest asset," said the Prime Minister.

Replying to a question on tech leaders of Indian origins leading global organisations, the PM said the Indian culture emphasises that there should be equal respect for the place where you’re born and the place where you work. "There should be no difference. As much as there is dedication to the land of birth, there should be the same sense of dedication to the land of work...every Indian strives to give their best effort, regardless of their role or position. They don’t wait until they’re in senior roles, even in smaller roles."

He also said Indians never get involved in anything questionable or unethical. "They tend to remain dedicated to what’s right and ethical. Their nature is collaborative." Generally, people raised in India, especially those coming from joint families and brought up in an open society, find it easier to lead complex tasks and large teams effectively, he added.

On the burning question of AI replacing humans one day, the PM replied that no technology can ever replace the human mind. "With AI, humans are being forced to reflect on what it truly means to be human. This is the real power of AI. Because of the way AI functions, it has challenged how we perceive work itself. But human imagination is the fuel. AI can create many things based on that, and in the future, it may achieve even more. Still, I firmly believe no technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind."