Ai for progress: PM Modi launches mission to revolutionise agriculture, healthcare, & education

In a groundbreaking announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) mission during the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023. This mission aims to propel AI applications in crucial sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, reflecting India's commitment to technological innovation.

PM Modi's vision for AI in India

PM Modi expressed his determination to boost the AI compute power in India, making it accessible to Indian startups and innovators. The mission also includes the rollout of the AIRAWAT (AI Research, Analytics, and Knowledge Assimilation) initiative, featuring cloud computing infrastructure tailored for homegrown startups, research labs, and industry players.

Inclusive AI development

While advocating for AI's inclusive development, PM Modi acknowledged the potential pitfalls, including deepfakes, data theft, and misuse by terrorists. He emphasised the need for a concrete plan to prevent AI misuse and called for a global framework for ethical AI use. According to PM Modi, AI is not just the bedrock of shaping the future; it also ensures economic progress, equality, and social justice.

Union IT Minister's perspective

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the fundamental questions raised by emerging technologies like AI, particularly in terms of societal impact. He reiterated India's commitment to harnessing AI's potential for inclusive growth, focusing on areas such as citizen services, accessible healthcare, and precision agriculture techniques.

GPAI Summit 2023

The three-day-long GPAI Summit, hosted in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, brought together representatives from 28 member countries and the European Union. Attendees engaged in discussions on urgent matters shaping the ever-evolving landscape of AI.

Global AI expo

Over 150 startups and major tech companies globally showcased AI applications and products at the Global AI Expo during the summit. This event highlighted the extensive opportunities for Indian startups and enterprises in the AI space.

Indian GenAI startups: A growing force

The Rashmika Madanna deepfake episode underscored the risks of generative AI, but it also illuminated significant opportunities for Indian startups. As per media reports India is home to more than 70 GenAI startups, raising over $440 million between 2019 and Q3 2023, with support from over 80 Indian institutional investors.

Engaging with global leaders

PM Modi's call for a global framework aligns with India's role as the incoming support chair of the GPAI. This positions India at the forefront of shaping international discussions on AI ethics and regulation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the new AI mission marks a pivotal moment for India's technological advancement.

With a focus on inclusive development, ethical AI use, and global collaboration, India is poised to become a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.