Indian PM Modi, in conversation with Bill Gates, says AI should not be a tool for the lazy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an engaging discussion with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on various issues ranging from climate change mitigation, women's empowerment and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

They spoke about sustainability, social empowerment on the global stage and the convergence of technology.

Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft,appreciated the technological advancements of India and emphasised the pivotal role of the country in AI innovation.

During the conversation,Gates appreciated the ability of Indians to adopt new technology and also lead the way for the world.

The prime minister asked the Microsoft head to take a selfie with the help of the photo booth on PM's Namo App.

Speaking about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in today's world, PM Modi said, "Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this."

"AI is very important. Sometimes, I jokingly say that in our country, we call our mother 'Aai'. Now I say that when a child is born, he says 'Aai' as well as AI as children have become so advanced," he added.

The prime minister informed Bill Gates how the government utilised AI during the G20 Summit in 2023.

He further spoke about how AI had translated his Hindi speech into Tamil during the recent Kashi Tamil Sangamam event.

Using AI as magic tool will lead to grave injustice: PM Modi

Speaking about the misuse of AI and the issue of deepfake, PM said, "If we use AI as a magic tool, it will perhaps lead to a grave injustice. If AI is relied on out of laziness...then it is the wrong path. I should have a competition with ChatGPT and strive to go ahead of AI."

Meanwhile, Bill Gates said, "These are early days in AI...It will do things that you think are hard and then it will fail to something which you think is easy. It seems like AI is a huge opportunity but there are a few challenges that come with it."

The prime minister suggested that clear watermarks on the AI-generated content should be started.

"If such a good thing (AI) is given to someone without proper training, it is likely to be misused...I suggested that we should start with clear watermarks on AI-generated content. So that nobody is misguided...In a democratic country like India, anybody can use deepfake...It's crucial to acknowledge that deepfake content is AI-generated...We need to think about some dos and don'ts," said the prime minister.

PM introduces Bill Gates to 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme

While speaking about the digital revolution in India, PM Modi introduced the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme to Bill Gates.

"Digital public infrastructure is a major requirement in itself...Women are more open to adopting new technology in India...I have started the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme...This is going on very successfully. I interact with them these days, they are delighted," said PM Modi.

Speaking about renewable energy in India, PM Modi said, "I am pleased to say that India is making rapid advancements in renewable energy...We want to make advancements in Green Hydrogen."

Watch:India Elections 2024: PM Modi unveils infrastructure projects in Kashmir

Meanwhile, Bill Gates appreciating the digital revolution in India in the fields of health, agriculture and education, said, "In here, it is like Digital Government. India is not only adapting technology but it is actually leading the way."

PM recalls pandemic days in India

In the candid chat PM Modi recalled the vaccination drive held in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Firstly, I emphasised that our fight against the virus involves everyone. This is not 'Virus vs Government' but the fight of 'Virus vs Life' - this was my first philosophy. Secondly, I started having direct communication with the people of my country from the first day. I publically followed all protocols," said PM Modi.

PM Modi also informed Bill Gates that if the NDA is voted to power again, they will allocate money for research in cervical cancer.

"My new government will allocate funds to scientists for local research in cervical cancer, we want to vaccinate all girls," Modi said.

After the conversation came to an end, Bill Gates gave some nutrition books to the prime minister. The prime minister then presented him with the 'Vocal for Local' gift hampers.

(With inputs from agencies)