By R Anil Kumar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 14, addressed an outreach session of the G7 Summit highlighting technological advances, Artificial Intelligence, India’s role in the global south and the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again brought up the concerns and priorities of the Global South countries at the G7 Outreach event. Addressing the event, Modi said, “India has considered it its responsibility to put the priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on the world stage.” He added that these countries “are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions”.
He further highlighted India’s presidency of the G20, under which the African Union was made a permanent member of the grouping. Modi also said, “India is among first few countries to formulate a national strategy in Artificial Intelligence. During the G20 Summit hosted by India last year, we stressed on importance of international governance in the field of AI”.
He stressed the necessity of democratising technology by ensuring it reaches all sections of society. “We have to collectively ensure that the benefits of technology reach all sections, highlight the potential of every person in society, help in removing social inequalities, and expand human capabilities instead of limiting them.
In the 21st century, Modi remarked, “While on one hand technology gives the courage to take the man to the moon, on the other hand, it also creates challenges like cyber security.” He highlighted India’s proactive stance, stating, “India is among the first few countries to formulate a national strategy on artificial intelligence…India is striving for a better future through this human-centric approach….This should not only be our desire but our responsibility,” PM Modi said, speaking at the session on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean.
PM Modi emphasizes ‘AI for All’ mission
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is among the first few countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence and launched the AI Mission this year with the mantra, “AI for All”. He highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing global progress and well-being.
Speaking on India’s AI Mission centered on “AI for All,” the Prime Minister underscored the technology’s role in promoting the welfare of all people. He emphasized India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation as a founding member of the Global Partnership for AI, stating that this collaboration is pivotal for achieving broader societal objectives.
Bilateral meetings on the sidelines
Prime Minister Modi held separate bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the event. He met French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and greeted Pope Francis at the venue. He invited the Pope to visit India and said he admires his commitment to serving people and making the world better.
With President Macron, he discussed ways to further strengthen partnership including in areas of defence, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, critical technologies and connectivity.
During a meeting with Rishi Sunak, the leaders talked about the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing industrial cooperation in the defence sector, boosting trade and commerce, and more.
PM Modi who also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reviewed the bilateral relationship and exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. He conveyed that India continues to encourage peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi meets Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida
In his meeting with Japan PM Fumio Kishida , the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Indo-Japan special strategic and global partnership, and discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors, including the landmark Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project and Japan’s planned 5 trillion yen investment in India from 2022 to 2027, aimed at bolstering industrial competitiveness and economic ties.
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Meloni
On June 15 he held bilateral talks with Italian PM Meloni and described the meeting as good. Taking to X he thanked her for inviting India to be a part of the G7 Summit and for the wonderful arrangements. “We discussed ways to further cement India-Italy relations in areas like commerce, energy, defence, telecom and more. Our nations will work together in futuristic areas like biofuels, food processing and critical minerals.,” PM wrote.
PM Modi meets US President Biden and Canadian PM Trudeau
After addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, PM Modi shared his pictures with US president Joe Biden from the event.‘It’s always a pleasure to meet President Joe Biden. India and the USA will keep working together to further global good,’ he added.
PM Modi met his Canadian Counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Summit. This was their first face-to-face meeting after Trudeau claimed that the Indian government agents were involved in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada last year. Canada has arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the case.
