Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in a collaborative meeting at the former’s residence on March 30, 2024, delved into a range of topics, including India’s digital revolution and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
The conversation touched on several key topics, including India’s adoption of new technologies, women-led development, and the risks associated with AI.
Digital Revolution in India
PM Modi said India is adapting to new technologies and leading the way, inspiring a digital transformation. He said the country’s digital revolution has seen increased participation from women, with 200 million women receiving emergency digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Modi also referred to the CoWin platform, which provided COVID-19 vaccination slots and certificates to people.
PM Modi spoke of digital transformation in health, education, and agriculture.
Highlighting the need for digital public infrastructure in rural areas to avoid a digital divide, PM Modi emphasized that technology should be democratized to provide equal opportunities for everyone.
Mr. Gates lauded India’s digital revolution, noting that the country is not only adapting to new technologies but is also leading the way. He commended the successful presidency of the 2023 G20 Summit, stating that it brought core purposes and objectives to the mainstream.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Addressing climate change and the need for sustainable development, PM Modi suggested the world needs to change parameters like the usage of electricity or steel to define development and proposed adopting terminologies such as green GDP and green employment.
Artificial Intelligence
Speaking of Artificial Intelligence, PM Modi emphasized that it should not be seen as a magic tool nor a replacement for laziness. He highlighted the need to train AI systems properly and the importance of adding a watermark to AI-generated content to avoid deep fakes.