In a free-wheeling chat with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi illustrated India’s adoption of artificial intelligence in the fields of governance, economy, education and medicine, quipping that ‘AI’ is among the first words of children born in the country today.
“AI is very important. In our country, we call mothers ‘aai’ in many states and languages. Sometimes I jokingly say that now when a child is born in India, he says ‘aai’ and ‘AI’,” the Prime Minister said in a lighter vein.
During the conversation with Gates, the PM also shared recent practical use-cases of AI, particularly during the G20 event.
“Let me share the exciting use of AI. It will make you happy to see how a common man demonstrates its practical benefits. Our G20 campus featured AI-based solutions for language interpretation. We equipped all chauffers with a mobile app, enabling seamless communication with the guests. For instance, if a guest spoke French, the app would allow the chauffer to understand. This facilitated smooth conversations between speakers of different languages.”
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and Bill Gates discuss the role and benefits of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The PM also tells him how AI was utilised during 2023 G20 Summit, how his Hindi speech was translated into Tamil during Kashi Tamil Sangamam event and the use of… pic.twitter.com/Ur5eUkC7Gs— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2024
“Recently, I went to the Kashi Tamil Sangam event. As I can’t speak Tamil, I delivered my speech in Hindi which was translated into Tamil real-time using AI, allowing attendees from Tamil Nadu to understand me clearly,” Modi said.
Lauding India’s adoption of AI in different fields, Gates said: “I think the key point is that the digital infrastructure keeps getting richer. A lot of people know about the identity system and the payment systems… But as you are moving into the different areas for farmers, registering their land, tutoring for kids and the health records, that’s kind of a second phase.”
“And we are just at the beginning now of the third phase where these advances in artificial intelligence will come on top of that and make the value even better,” he added.
PM Modi also described the digital boom as the fourth industrial revolution. “…Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions, we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this,” the Prime Minister said.
The interaction between Modi and Gates at the former’s official residence saw discussions over a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and climate change.
The PM also encouraged Gates to take a selfie using the Photo Booth on the NaMo App, which recently introduced a new AI-powered feature that allows users to find their pictures with the Prime Minister using facial recognition technology.
The Prime Minister has repeteadly declared that India will lead the world in AI capabilities, and has exhorted young entrepreneurs and startups to work on ‘Indian solutions for global applications’ to solve challenges faced by nations across the world.
The Union cabinet has already approved a Rs 10,000 crore plan for India AI Mission which will be leveraged for building computer infrastructure and providing funding as well as other support to startups for innovation.
Modi and Gates had previously met in February and said they discussed AI for public good, women-led development and innovation in agriculture and health.
“It is always inspiring to meet with @narendramodi and there was a lot to discuss. We talked about AI for public good; DPI; women-led development; innovation in agriculture, health, and climate adaptation; and how we can take lessons from India to the world,” Gates had posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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