India Poised For A Revolution In AI Space, Says Jitin Prasada

New Delhi: Union Minister Jitin Prasada on Monday asserted the vision to develop artificial intelligence (AI) in India, for India, and all, and said the country is poised for an AI revolution.

Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, in a keynote address at the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024, said India is not only the largest democracy, but also a vibrant digital economy setting new benchmarks for innovation and inclusivity. He said discussions today should not only focus on addressing the challenges of internet governance but also on exploring transformative solutions. “Artificial intelligence is a cornerstone of these transformative solutions.

Our vision is to make AI in India and make AI work for India, as well as AI for all. Today, India is placed for a transformative AI revolution,” he said. The minister quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “If earlier, human civilisations were based around rivers and oceans, then later around highways…today’s civilizations shall be based around fibre optic cables; that is the internet.” He added that the internet today is not merely a tool for connectivity, but a backbone of economies, societies, and individual aspirations.

“India has consistently demonstrated its firm’s conviction to establish global shared principles in an open, free, and secure digital and technological future for all. Its participation in shaping the UN-proposed Global Digital Compact (GDC) remains crucial,” Prasada said. The GDC is a proposed initiative by the United Nations aimed at establishing shared principles for the responsible use of digital technologies.

It aims to shape a future where digital technologies are accessible, equitable, and secure for all citizens globally. India’s transformative journey over the last decade, marked by rapid digitalisation and digital successes like UPI, Aadhaar, and Digital India, serves as a model for other nations, the minister further said.