Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and his push for technology to address real-world challenges. During a CEOs’ roundtable with PM Modi in New York, Pichai highlighted how India’s “Digital India” vision is driving Google’s robust investments in AI within the country.
In a significant move to democratize access to artificial intelligence, CEO announced the establishment of the $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund. This initiative aims to provide AI education and training to underserved communities across the globe.
Pichai declared artificial intelligence (AI) as “the most transformative technology yet,” outlining its potential to foster sustainable development across the globe. He identified four critical opportunities for AI: improving access to information in various languages, accelerating scientific discovery, enhancing climate disaster response, and driving economic progress.
“PM Modi has consistently encouraged us to do more for India, particularly with AI. He’s inspiring us to think about AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, helping India transition to a developed nation,” Pichai said. He also expressed pride in manufacturing Google Pixel phones in India, aligning with Modi’s emphasis on making and designing in India.
Pichai also urged for “smart product regulation” to address the challenges posed by AI while cautioning against national protectionist measures that could hinder its benefits.
Google’s $120 Million Global AI Opportunity Fund
While stressing AI’s benefits, Pichai acknowledged the associated risks, such as the emergence of deep fakes, and expressed concern about the widening gap in AI access between different regions.
In tandem with these initiatives, Pichai announced Google’s $120 million ‘Global AI Opportunity Fund,’ aimed at providing AI education and training worldwide. Speaking at the UN Summit of the Future, Pichai noted that this fund will bring AI opportunities to underserved communities through partnerships with local nonprofits and NGOs, focusing on improving access to information, scientific discovery, climate disaster response, and economic development.
Reflecting on his own upbringing in India, Pichai emphasized the life-changing impact of technology and reiterated his commitment to ensuring AI serves people globally, especially in developing regions. “AI is the most transformative technology yet,” he said, acknowledging both its immense potential and associated risks, such as deepfakes. He called for balanced regulations to prevent an AI divide.
PM Modi’s Influence on AI Innovation and Investment in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic vision for India’s technological advancement has placed artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of the nation’s development agenda. His emphasis on AI as a tool to address pressing challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure has resonated with global tech leaders, notably Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google.
Pichai has acknowledged Modi’s push for the adoption and implementation of AI as a transformative force in India, noting that Google’s decision to manufacture Pixel phones in India is part of this broader initiative. This aligns with Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, which encourages global companies to develop and manufacture products domestically, fostering technological self-reliance.
Under Modi’s leadership, AI is seen not only as a driver of innovation but also as a key enabler of socio-economic growth. For instance, AI applications in agriculture could enhance crop yields and predict weather patterns, ensuring better resource management for farmers. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostics could improve patient outcomes in rural areas by providing accessible, data-driven healthcare solutions.
This announcement comes as global leaders gather for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the future of technology and sustainable development, where AI is seen as a pivotal tool in shaping the world’s future.
