Team Blitz India
THE following is the text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean, at the G7 Summit at Apulia, in Germany, on June 14 .
LAST week many of you were busy with the European Parliament elections. Some friends will go through the excitement of elections in the coming time. In India too, a few months back, it was the time of elections. The uniqueness and magnitude of the elections in India can be understood from some figures: More than 2,600 political parties, more than 1 million polling booths, more than 5 million Electronic Voting Machines, 15 million polling staff, and about 970 million voters, out of which 640 million people exercised their franchise.
The entire electoral process has been made fair and transparent by the ubiquitous use of technology and the results of such a large election were also declared within a few hours! This was the biggest festival of democracy in the world and the biggest in the history of humanity. It is also a living example of our ancient values as the mother of democracy. And I am fortunate that the people of India have given me the opportunity to serve them for the third consecutive time.
This has happened for the first time in India in the last six decades. The blessings that the people of India have given in the form of this historic victory is a victory of democracy. It is a victory of the entire democratic world. And I am extremely happy to be present among all of you friends just a few days after assuming office.
Technology century
The 21st century is the century of technology. There is hardly any aspect of human life that is deprived of the influence of technology. While on one hand technology gives the courage to take man to the moon, on the other hand it also creates challenges like cyber security. We have to collectively ensure that the benefits of technology reach all sections of society, to realise the potential of every person in the society, to help in removing social inequalities, and expand human powers instead of limiting them. This should not only be our desire, but our responsibility.
We have to convert monopoly in technology into mass usage. We have to make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. India is striving for a better future through its human-centric approach.
India is among the first few countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence. On the basis of this strategy, this year we have launched AI Mission. It is derived from the mantra ‘AI for All’. As a founding member and lead chair of the Global Partnership for AI, we are promoting cooperation among all countries. During the G20 Summit hosted by India last year, we emphasised the importance of international governance in the field of AI. In the time to come, we will continue to work together with all countries to make AI transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible.
Energy principles
India’s approach in the field of energy is also based on four principles – availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. India is the first country to fulfil all the commitments made under COP before time. And we are making every effort to fulfil our commitment to achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070.
We should together try to make the time to come a green era. For this, India has started Mission LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment. Taking this mission forward, on 5 June, Environment Day, I have started a campaign – ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. Everyone loves their mother. With this feeling, we want to make tree plantation a mass movement with personal touch and global responsibility. I urge all of you to join it. My team will share its details with everyone.
Developed India
It is our resolve to build a developed India by 2047. Our commitment is that no section of the society should be left behind in the country’s development journey. This is also important in the context of international cooperation. The countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions. India has considered it its responsibility to place the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage. We have given high priority to Africa in these efforts.
We are proud that the G20, under India’s chairmanship, made the African Union a permanent member. India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all African countries, and will continue to do so.
Today’s meeting reflects deep convergence between the priorities of all countries. We will continue dialogue and cooperation with the G7 on all these issues.
