Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates engaged in a wide-ranging discussion that touched on key topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), climate change mitigation and women empowerment. Both leaders highlighted the intersection of technology, sustainability and social progress on a global scale as well as India’s digital progress.
During the interaction, PM Modi identified agriculture, education and healthcare as key sectors where technology can make a significant contribution. He expressed his commitment to bridging the digital divide in India and ensuring access to technology for all, particularly focusing on initiatives such as cervical cancer research and vaccination of girls.
Speaking about India’s successful chairmanship of the G20 summit last year, the Prime Minister said, “We had extensive discussions before the G20 summit and as you could see, the summit took many turns. I believe we have now aligned with the G20. the main purposes and goals that will bring them into the mainstream. I hope your first-hand experience reflects that sentiment.”
“During the G20 summit in Indonesia, representatives from around the world expressed their curiosity about the digital revolution in the country. I explained to them that we have democratized technology to prevent monopoly,” he added.
Bill Gates praised India’s progress in technology, especially in AI innovation. “India is not just adapting technology, it is actually leading the way,” he said, adding that the country has embraced ‘digital governance’.
Gates said: “The G20 has really highlighted things like digital innovation and how South-South cooperation can be much more than a dialogue with the North. Our foundation is so excited about the past results that you have achieved here in India that we would like to be partner in trying to take it to many other countries.”
Also Read
- 83% of jobless Indians are youth, says ILO Report
- Navy rescues hijacked Iranian vessel with Pakistani crew
On the issue of climate change, Prime Minister Modi has called for redefining the parameters of development to favor sustainability and championed concepts such as green GDP and green employment. As for AI, he warned against viewing it as a “magical solution” or a substitute for human effort. He also emphasized the importance of technology, including platforms like ChatGPT, for personal and professional improvement. He demonstrated facial recognition technology through his app, highlighting the democratization of the technology and its accessibility to all, especially in rural areas.
Gates added that artificial intelligence is still being researched and there will be challenges ahead as to how and to what extent it can be used as an effective tool. He said: “These are early days in AI. It will do things you think are hard and then fail at something you think is easy. AI seems like a huge opportunity, but there are some challenges , which are coming.” with that.”
