Amid an air of despondency over the failure of UN and the multilateral system in meeting global challenges, notably the ongoing conflicts, PM Modi once again stressed the need for “reforms in global institutions,” saying they are essential for worldwide peace and development. Modi said the “success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield”.
Addressing the landmark UN ‘Summit of the Future’ in New York, the PM said “reform is the key to relevance.” He highlighted India’s record in pulling people out of poverty, and its readiness to share the experience with Global South. Modi said a human centric approach must be accorded the highest priority in any deliberation on global future.
While prioritising sustainable development, Modi added, the global community must also ensure human welfare and food and health security. Modi also raised the issue of terrorism, saying that while on the one hand the menace posed a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other areas like cyber, maritime and space are emerging as new theatres of conflict. “On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition,” said the PM.
Modi emphasised the need for balanced regulation at the global level for the safe and responsible use of technology, saying the world needs global digital governance which ensures that national sovereignty and integrity are upheld.
Invites global tech CEOs
In a meeting in New York with 15 corporate titans, including AI leaders Jensen Huang of nVidia and Sundar Pichai of Alphabet/Google, Modi displayed immense enthusiasm and little hesitation in embracing the evolving technology landscape. Asserting that India’s policy is to promote ‘AI for all’, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use, he invited tech companies to take advantage of India’s growth story for collaboration to co-develop, co-design and co-produce in India for the world.
The PM’s pitch impressed the CEOs. Talking up nVidia’s already significant collaborations in India, Huang pledged more, gushing: “AI really democratises computing, and this is India’s moment.”
Google’s Sundar Pichai, likewise spoke of taking up Modi’s challenge of doing more in terms of AI to benefit the people of India. While CEOs of major pharma & biotech companies, including Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moderna, and Biogen, attended the meet, AI and its leap into India hogged the limelight.
David Ricks, CEO, Eli Lilly, said the pharma company plans to grow its already large research-based centre in India. “It is an exciting moment to work with India,” he said. Praising Modi’s leadership, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet said: “I was very excited to hear about the commitment of so many other companies like Accenture to continue to grow our business in India and to have our individuals in India serve the globe.” Expressing enthusiasm about India’s growing technology and manufacturing potential, HP Inc CEO Enrique Lores said: “We’re clearly appreciative for the PM to learn and understand what we need to continue to expand in India. We just announced that we are expanding our manufacturing capabilities in India.”
