Global AI governance: Modi calls for unified standards

February 12, 2025 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, security frameworks, and societies.

As AI adoption accelerates, ensuring its responsible development has become a global priority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged nations to collaborate in setting governance frameworks and ethical standards to harness AI’s benefits while addressing its risks.

Speaking at the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, he emphasized the importance of global cooperation to establish policies that uphold shared values and promote trust.

AI’s influence extends across sectors, from healthcare and education to agriculture and governance.

However, alongside its vast potential, it raises concerns about misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and ethical dilemmas.

Modi stressed that AI governance should not merely regulate conflicts but should also encourage innovation for the greater good.

He highlighted the need to democratize technology, ensuring that AI remains accessible, particularly to developing nations.

Without inclusive AI policies, technological gaps between regions may widen, creating economic disparities.

Addressing fears of job losses, Modi pointed out that history has shown technology does not eliminate work but rather reshapes it.

While AI may automate certain tasks, it also generates new employment opportunities and demands fresh skill sets.

To prepare for this shift, investing in upskilling and reskilling is crucial. Workers must be equipped with AI-driven competencies to thrive in evolving industries.

India, he noted, is a leader in AI adoption and data privacy regulations. India has a digital infrastructure supporting over 1.4 billion people at minimal cost. It successfully integrated AI into governance, public services, and economic modernization.

Modi underscored India’s readiness to share its expertise, advocating for AI solutions tailored to local ecosystems to maximize societal benefits.

The Prime Minister also emphasized AI’s potential to improve public welfare.

From enhancing medical diagnoses to optimizing agricultural practices, AI can revolutionize essential services.

However, he cautioned that addressing challenges like deepfakes, disinformation, and security threats is vital for AI’s ethical deployment.

As AI continues to redefine global industries, Modi’s call for collective action underscores the need for responsible policies.

With well-structured governance and equitable access, AI can drive inclusive growth, ensuring that technological advancements benefit humanity as a whole.

Image Credit: Raavimohantydelhi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons