PM Modi talks about India’s ambitions in AI, 5G on Lex Fridman podcast

In a candid conversation with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, the global rise of Indian talent, and the irreplaceable role of human intelligence in shaping technology. In the nearly two-and-a-half-hour discussion, PM Modi asserted that no single nation can lead AI development in isolation. Despite being seen as a late entrant in AI, India is making rapid advancements, much like its record-breaking 5G rollout, the PM said.

PM Modi on AI

“No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India,” PM Modi declared. “I am making this statement very responsibly. Can anyone develop AI entirely on their own?”

The prime minister further revealed how an American tech executive had recently told him that if they advertised engineering jobs in the U.S., they would barely fill a room, but in India, even a football field wouldn’t be enough to accommodate applicants.

“India has access to an extraordinarily vast pool of talent, and that’s our greatest strength,” he said.

“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence. And the richest reservoir of that intelligence is found in India’s youth and talent pool.”

“Indian culture emphasises that there should be equal respect for the place where you’re born and the place where you work. There should be no difference. As much as there is dedication to the land of birth, there should be the same sense of dedication to the land of work,” he explained. “The ability to work effectively as part of a team matters significantly more than just having knowledge. Indians, especially those raised in joint families and an open society, naturally develop leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.”