Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an essential tool but must be used optimally with responsible handling,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024 here.
The event, themed “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development - Innovation, Ethics, and Governance,” showcased India's strategic roadmap for harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In his address, the Minister emphasised the pivotal role of AI in reshaping various sectors, including governance, business, healthcare, education, and space exploration.
He highlighted AI as the backbone of India’s future development, capable of driving economic growth and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, public service delivery, and national security.
The Minister also shared details about India’s first practical AI Data Bank aiming to accelerate technological growth and innovation by providing researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, diverse datasets essential for creating scalable and inclusive AI solutions.
The Minister underscored the strategic importance of the AI Data Bank in enhancing national security through real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and IoT data. This step aligns with India’s goal to utilize AI for predictive analytics in disaster management and cybersecurity.
India’s National Strategy for AI is guided by a comprehensive approach focused on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration, he said. The government is fostering partnerships between academia, private enterprises, and startups to propel AI applications in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, and space exploration.
The event served as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange insights and chart a responsible path for AI adoption in India.
Archana Vohra, MD, Commerce and Payments, Google and Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM AI Task Force said, the government's collaborative and forward-looking approach to AI democratization is commendable – exemplified by initiatives such as the India AI mission, Project Bhashini, and the Startup India Seed Fund.
“These programs, with substantial funding and strategic partnerships, have empowered startups, fostered entrepreneurship, and broken-down language barriers. Google is proud to support these initiatives and believes that public-private partnerships are essential for accelerating research, creating shared resources, and supporting researchers across academia and civil society,' she added.