At the recent G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address at the Outreach Session that emphasized the importance of democratizing technology and ensuring its broad-based use for the benefit of humanity. In his succinct yet impactful speech, PM Modi highlighted three pillars that India is currently focusing on: technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy security and affordability, and last mile service delivery. These focus areas, he argued, are not only pivotal for India’s growth but also essential for fostering global harmony and sustainable development.
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Prime Minister Modi underscored the critical role technology and AI play in modern society. He urged that technology should be made accessible to all, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few. His clarion call was for nations to ensure that technology is used as a tool for empowerment, not domination. With rapid advancements in AI, the potential benefits for improving healthcare, education, and economic growth are immense. However, to fully harness these benefits, PM Modi emphasized the need for global collaboration and sharing of technological advancements.
Energy security and affordability were the second cornerstone of PM Modi’s address. Highlighting India’s efforts in transitioning to renewable energy sources, he argued that energy self-sufficiency is indispensable for economic stability and growth. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of making clean energy accessible and affordable, not just in developed nations but in developing and underdeveloped regions as well. This shift not only aids in combating climate change but also ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation.
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The third focus area of PM Modi’s speech was ensuring efficient last mile service delivery. He emphasized that for any technology or policy to be truly effective, it must reach the very last person in the socioeconomic hierarchy. In India, this has translated to a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and clean drinking water. The Prime Minister noted that leveraging technology in these areas has already yielded significant improvements and that continued focus on last mile delivery could revolutionize public service delivery in the coming years.
One of the significant highlights of PM Modi’s speech was the call for international cooperation in solving global challenges. He noted that isolationist policies and monopolization of technology would only deepen global divides. By fostering a spirit of collaboration, nations can co-create solutions to common problems such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty. The Prime Minister specifically mentioned India’s initiatives in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as examples of such collaborative efforts.
Reflecting on India’s own experiences, PM Modi illustrated how the country has harnessed technology to create inclusive growth. He cited the example of the Aadhaar initiative, a biometric identification system that has successfully brought millions of Indians into the formal economy. Additionally, digital payment systems like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have revolutionized financial transactions in the country. These examples, he argued, demonstrate the transformative power of technology when it is used to empower people rather than control them.
Artificial Intelligence, though still in its nascent stages, was highlighted as a potential game-changer in myriad sectors. PM Modi spoke about how intelligent systems are being employed to enhance agricultural productivity, improve healthcare delivery, and even predict natural disasters. However, he cautioned against the ethical concerns surrounding AI, emphasizing the need for a global framework that ensures these technologies are used responsibly and ethically.
Energy transition to renewables is another area where India has made significant strides. The country has seen massive investments in solar and wind energy, with ambitious targets to expand these efforts in the coming decades. PM Modi highlighted initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, which aims to provide farmers with solar-powered pumps. This not only ensures energy security for agricultural activities but also contributes to India’s broader climate goals.
PM Modi’s emphasis on last mile service delivery included discussions on the transformative impact of the Digital India initiative. This initiative aims at ensuring that government services are made available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and increasing Internet connectivity. The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of mobile technology in this endeavor, with a large segment of the population gaining access to services through mobile applications. The resulting digital inclusion has facilitated better access to education, healthcare, and financial services for millions of Indians.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s address at the G7 Summit was a call to action for global leaders to democratize technology and harness it for the greater good of humanity. By focusing on technology and AI, energy security and affordability, and efficient last mile service delivery, he laid out a vision for a future where technological advancements benefit all, rather than a privileged few. His speech reaffirmed India’s commitment to collaborating with global partners in building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world.
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