In an engaging and enlightening conversation with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delved into India’s aspirations in artificial intelligence (AI), the emergence of Indian talent on the global stage, and the essential role of human intelligence in shaping technological progress.
During the nearly two-and-a-half-hour dialogue, PM Modi emphasized India’s pivotal position in the AI revolution, emphasizing that no single nation can lead AI development in isolation. “No matter what strides the world takes with AI, it will be incomplete without India,” declared PM Modi. “I say this with great responsibility. Can any nation single-handedly advance AI?”
Despite being perceived as a latecomer in the AI arena, India is rapidly making strides, paralleling its impressive 5G rollout achievements. PM Modi highlighted India’s swift progress in 5G, dispelling initial perceptions of lagging behind. “Consider 5G, for instance: the world initially thought we were trailing. But once we commenced, we emerged as the frontrunners in comprehensive 5G network deployment globally,” PM Modi shared.
In a revealing moment, PM Modi recounted an interaction with an American tech executive who marveled at the stark contrast in job application responses between the U.S. and India. While engineering job postings in the U.S. struggled to draw applicants, in India, the response was overwhelming. “India boasts an incredibly vast talent pool, which is our greatest asset,” he remarked. “Human intelligence fundamentally fuels, shapes, and steers artificial intelligence. And India’s reservoir of youth and talent houses the richest source of this intelligence.”
PM Modi also underscored the significant impact of Indian-origin CEOs in the tech industry, citing luminaries like Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, and Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity AI. He expounded on the ethos of Indian culture, advocating for equal reverence for one’s birthplace and workplace. “There should be no disparity between where you hail from and where you toil. The commitment to your homeland should mirror the dedication to your workplace,” PM Modi elucidated. “The ability to collaborate effectively within a team surpasses mere knowledge. Indians, especially those nurtured in joint families and a communal environment, naturally cultivate leadership qualities and problem-solving prowess.”
This innate capability, he argued, explains why Indian professionals occupy pivotal roles in major global corporations. PM Modi also addressed India’s burgeoning supremacy in space exploration and startups, noting the exponential growth of over 200 private space technology firms since the sector’s liberalization just a few years ago.
Highlighting the cost-effectiveness of missions like Chandrayaan, PM Modi showcased India’s efficiency by comparing the mission’s budget to Hollywood’s blockbuster film production costs. “When the world witnesses our efficacy, the thought naturally arises, ‘Why not collaborate with India?'” PM Modi posed.
Dispelling anxieties about AI replacing humans, PM Modi dismissed the notion of a technology-humanity dichotomy, emphasizing humanity’s historical adaptability to technological advancements. “This has always been the case. Ultimately, it is humans who innovate optimal ways to leverage technology for their benefit,” he affirmed. “With AI, humans are now compelled to ponder what defines human essence. That, to me, is the true power of AI.”
While AI excels in creation, prediction, and generation, PM Modi highlighted a quintessential human trait that sets us apart. “Humans possess an inherent capacity for compassion, a natural inclination to care for one another. Can AI replicate that?” he questioned.
Advocating for global AI collaboration as a collective endeavor rather than a contest, PM Modi reiterated India’s focus on practical AI applications alongside theoretical models, bolstered by a distinctive, user-friendly GPU marketplace.
