Indians lead the way in global tech, Bill Gates tells PM Modi

In an engaging conversation with Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed he has “a childlike curiosity for technology” and spoke of the Namo Drone Didi scheme as a means to empower women and ensure “digital divide” did not happen in India. Gates on his part noted how the country was emerging as a global leader in the digital space. “India is not only adapting technology but is actually leading the way,” he said.

Here are some salient points of the conversation:

AI ABOVE ALL

AI, or artificial intelligence comprised a significant aspect of the discussion. “AI is very important. Sometimes, I jokingly say that in our country, we call our mother ‘Aai’. Now I say that when a child is born, he says ‘Aai’ as well as AI as children have become so advanced,” PM Modi said. He also recalled how AI was beneficially used during last year’s G20 event in India: “Our G20 campus used AI-based solutions for language interpretation. We furnished chauffeurs with mobile apps that helped them communicate with guests. So, if a guest spoke in French the app would help the chauffer understand, enabling smooth conversation between different languages.” The PM also mentioned how AI was used to flawlessly translate his Hindi speech into Tamil at a cultural event, and pointed out its use had increased efficiency in sectors ranging from education to health to agriculture.

PM Modi, however, had a word of caution on AI. “In a democratic country like India, anybody can use deepfake. It’s crucial to acknowledge that deepfake content is AI-generated. We need to think about some dos and don’ts.” he said, adding: “For example, they may misuse my voice. It can initially deceive people, leading to widespread chaos. It is crucial to acknowledge that deepfake content is AI-generated and mention its source.”

MORE DRONE POWER TO WOMEN

The conversation veered to technology and women’s empowerment, with PM Modi telling Gates about the Namo Drone Didi scheme. “When I used to hear about the digital divide in the world, I used to think that I would not allow anything like that to happen in my country. Digital public infrastructure is a major requirement in itself. Women are more open to adopting new technology in India. I have started Namo Drone Didi scheme. This is going on very successfully. I interact with them these days, they are delighted. They say that they didn’t know to ride a bicycle but they are now pilots and can fly drones. The mindset has changed,” the PM said.

Gates felt India has a “digital government” now, and added: “India is not only adapting technology but it is actually leading the way.”

DIGITAL REVOLUTION OF INDIA

Mentioning India’s digital revolution, PM Modi said: “During the G20 Summit in Indonesia, representatives from around the world expressed their curiosity about the digital revolution in the country. I explained to them that we have democratised technology to prevent monopoly. It is by the people and for the people.”

“I am not an expert but have childlike curiosity for technology,” the PM told Gates, and also focussed on how digital technology would play an important part in the fourth industrial revolution. “Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions, we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this.”

G20 TALK

On last year’s G20 Summit, PM Modi told Gates: “We had extensive discussions before the G20 Summit and as you might have seen, the Summit’s proceedings took a lot of turns. I believe we have now aligned with G20’s core purposes and objectives, bringing them to the mainstream. I hope your first-hand experience echoes this sentiment.”

Gates said: “G20 is way more inclusive and so it is fantastic to see India hosting it… Our foundation is so excited about the past results that you have achieved here in India, that we would be a partner in trying to take that into many other countries.”

The PM’s conversation with the Microsoft boss also focussed on India’s progress in the areas of renewable energy and Green Hydrogen. He mentioned how a hydrogen-powered boat had been launched in Tamil Nadu, and felt the boat could be used on the Kashi-Ayodhya route as part of the Clean Ganga initiative.