Modi: Monopolies in tech threaten inclusive society

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed on the need to end monopolies in technology and promote its creative use to build an inclusive society.

Speaking at “Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean” of the G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia in Italy’s Apulia region, Modi highlighted the challenges faced by countries of the Global South due to global uncertainties and tensions. Modi stressed India’s commitment to representing the priorities and concerns of the Global South on the world stage.

“We have given high priority to Africa. Under India’s chairmanship, the G-20 made the African Union a permanent member,” he said.

He affirmed India’s ongoing contribution to the economic and social development, stability, and security of African nations.

Addressing the role of technology, Modi underlined the importance of making it creative rather than destructive. “We must make technology creative, not destructive. Only then can we lay the foundation of an inclusive society. India is striving for a better future through this human-centric approach,” he stated.

Modi highlighted India’s proactive stance, being among the first to formulate a national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) and launching the AI Mission with the mantra ‘AI for All’. Modi also reiterated India’s advocacy for international governance in AI, promoting transparency, fairness, security, accessibility, and responsibility.

“As a founding member and lead chair of the global partnership for AI, we are fostering cooperation among all countries,” he said. In the energy sector, Modi outlined India’s principles of availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability.

He reiterated India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and called for collective efforts to usher in a green era.