20 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

4 min

Science & TechnologyInternational RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

PM Modi Advocates for AI's Ethical Development at Global Summit

Prime Minister Modi champions AI's potential for global benefit, emphasizing ethical considerations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a global summit, advocating for a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed and utilized ethically for the global good, rather than being a source of fear. He highlighted India's commitment to working with other nations to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. The summit saw participation from tech leaders and policymakers, focusing on international collaboration in AI governance and innovation.

Discussions centered on balancing AI's transformative potential with the need to address potential risks and biases, ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity. India is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape, emphasizing inclusivity and ethical frameworks.

Key Facts

Prime Minister Modi advocated for ethical AI development at a global summit.

He emphasized AI's potential for global good.

India is committed to working with other nations for responsible AI development.

The summit focused on international collaboration in AI governance and innovation.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Role of international organizations in AI governance

GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Ethical considerations in AI development

GS Paper IV: Ethics - Application of ethical principles in AI

In Simple Words

AI is becoming a big deal, but it's important to make sure it's used the right way. Like, we need to ensure it helps everyone and doesn't create new problems. It's like making sure a new medicine is safe and available to all.

India Angle

In India, AI could help farmers with better crop predictions or provide personalized education to students in remote areas. But, it's crucial that this technology is accessible and doesn't increase the digital divide.

For Instance

Think of it like building a new road. It can connect villages and boost the economy, but it needs to be planned carefully to avoid displacing people or damaging the environment.

If AI is developed ethically, it can improve our lives. It can help us solve problems related to healthcare, education, and the environment.

AI's future depends on ethics: global good, not global fear.

More Information

Background

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises significant ethical and societal questions. The need for ethical guidelines in AI development has been a topic of discussion for several years, with various organizations and governments working to create frameworks for responsible AI. These frameworks often address issues such as bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the potential impact of AI on employment. India has been actively involved in shaping the global discourse on AI ethics. NITI Aayog, the government's policy think tank, has published reports and strategies on AI, emphasizing the importance of responsible and inclusive AI development. These initiatives aim to ensure that AI benefits all sections of society and aligns with India's values and priorities. The focus is on leveraging AI for social good, such as in healthcare, agriculture, and education, while mitigating potential risks. The United Nations has also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in AI governance. Various UN agencies are working on developing global standards and guidelines for AI to ensure that it is used for the benefit of humanity and does not exacerbate existing inequalities. This includes discussions on issues such as AI's impact on human rights, the need for transparency and accountability in AI systems, and the importance of addressing the digital divide.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the development of national AI strategies by various countries. These strategies outline the vision, goals, and priorities for AI development and deployment within each nation. They often include measures to promote AI research and innovation, develop AI skills and talent, and address the ethical and societal implications of AI. Several international organizations, such as the OECD and the G20, have also been working on developing principles and guidelines for responsible AI. These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that is consistent with human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. The focus is on promoting AI that is trustworthy, transparent, and accountable. Looking ahead, there is an increasing emphasis on the need for global standards and regulations for AI. This includes discussions on issues such as data governance, AI safety, and the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes. The goal is to create a framework that allows AI to flourish while mitigating potential risks and ensuring that it benefits all of humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main focus of PM Modi's advocacy regarding AI at the global summit?

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the ethical development and utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for global good, rather than it being a source of fear. He promoted responsible AI development through international cooperation.

2. Why is ethical AI development important in the context of international relations?

Ethical AI development is crucial for fostering trust and collaboration among nations. It ensures that AI technologies are used responsibly and do not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of global division. International cooperation can help establish common ethical standards.

3. What are the key areas of focus in international collaborations regarding AI governance?

International collaborations in AI governance focus on balancing AI's transformative potential with the need to address potential risks and biases. Discussions center on ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity through inclusivity and ethical frameworks.

4. What is India's current position in the global AI landscape, as highlighted in the news?

India is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape. The country emphasizes inclusivity and ethical frameworks in its approach to AI development and deployment.

5. What are the potential benefits of ethical AI development for common citizens?

Ethical AI development can lead to fairer algorithms, improved healthcare, better access to education, and more efficient public services. It can also help prevent discrimination and bias in AI-driven systems, ensuring that everyone benefits from technological advancements.

6. What are some potential risks associated with AI development that require ethical considerations?

Potential risks include bias in algorithms, data privacy violations, job displacement due to automation, and the potential for misuse of AI technologies for malicious purposes. Ethical frameworks are needed to mitigate these risks.

7. What are the key facts to remember about PM Modi's AI advocacy for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include PM Modi's emphasis on ethical AI development, his advocacy for international collaboration, and India's commitment to responsible AI deployment for global good. Remember that the focus is on ethical considerations and inclusivity.

8. How can India contribute to the development of global AI governance frameworks?

India can contribute by sharing its expertise in developing inclusive and ethical AI frameworks. It can also promote international dialogue and collaboration to ensure that AI benefits all nations and communities, particularly those in the developing world.

9. What aspects of AI ethics are most relevant for UPSC Mains, considering PM Modi's statements?

For UPSC Mains, focus on the ethical considerations of AI, the need for international cooperation in AI governance, and India's role in promoting responsible AI development. Also, consider the socio-economic implications of AI and the importance of addressing potential biases and inequalities.

10. What are the recent developments regarding national AI strategies, as related to the global summit?

Recent developments include a growing focus on the development of national AI strategies by various countries. These strategies outline the vision, goals, and priorities for AI development and deployment within each nation, often including measures to promote AI research and innovation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements best describes the focus of the global summit mentioned in the news regarding AI?

A.To promote unrestricted AI development without regulatory frameworks.
B.To establish international collaborations in AI governance and innovation, emphasizing ethical development.
C.To prioritize AI development for military applications.
D.To limit AI research to only a few developed nations.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The global summit focused on international collaboration in AI governance and innovation, with a strong emphasis on ethical development. The aim was to balance AI's potential with the need to address risks and biases, ensuring it benefits all of humanity. Options A, C, and D do not align with the summit's focus on ethical and collaborative AI development.

2. Consider the following statements regarding India's approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as highlighted in the news: 1. India is committed to working with other nations to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. 2. India is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape, emphasizing inclusivity and ethical frameworks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: C

Both statements are correct. The news highlights PM Modi's advocacy for ethical AI development and India's commitment to international collaboration. India is indeed positioning itself as a key player, focusing on inclusivity and ethical frameworks in the AI landscape.

3. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a key ethical concern in the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

A.Algorithmic bias leading to discriminatory outcomes.
B.Data privacy and security concerns.
C.The potential impact on employment and job displacement.
D.The speed of computational processing.

Show Answer

Answer: D

While computational processing speed is a technical aspect of AI, it is not typically considered a key ethical concern. Ethical concerns primarily revolve around issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the impact on employment. These factors directly affect individuals and society, making them central to ethical AI discussions.