AI Action Summit
New Delhi – The AI Action Summit, held on February 10-11, 2025, convened global leaders to discuss AI governance and collaboration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a globally inclusive AI framework, ensuring equitable access and responsible innovation. Addressing an elite audience at the Grand Palais, Modi underscored AI’s transformative impact on economies and societies while stressing the importance of risk mitigation and accessibility, particularly for the Global South.
A Call for Responsible AI Governance
PM Modi highlighted that AI governance should not be solely about managing risks and rivalries but must also focus on fostering global cooperation to set standards that benefit all. India, co-chairing the summit alongside France, is actively contributing to this vision. Stressing the transformative potential of AI, Modi reassured that while concerns over job losses exist, history has demonstrated that technological advancements lead to the creation of new types of employment. Consequently, workforce reskilling is crucial for adapting to AI-driven changes.
“There is a deep interdependence across borders when it comes to AI,” said Modi. “A collective effort is needed to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values, address risks, and build trust. Access to AI should be universal, ensuring the Global South is not left behind due to limited compute power, talent, data, or financial resources.”
India’s AI Leadership and Policy Initiatives
PM Modi showcased India’s strides in AI adoption and regulatory frameworks, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2025. He also highlighted India’s progress in developing its own large language models to cater to its diverse linguistic landscape. Further, India’s unique public-private partnership model is making computational resources accessible to startups and researchers at affordable rates, fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem.
The Indian and French delegations also conducted a hybrid policy roundtable, discussing democratized AI access, sovereign AI initiatives, and the importance of techno-legal frameworks. Modi lauded the establishment of an AI Foundation and a Council for Sustainable AI, marking significant steps towards responsible AI development.
Energy Challenges and Green AI Solutions
Another critical issue Modi addressed was the energy intensity of AI operations. Acknowledging the high electricity consumption of AI data centers, he stressed the need for sustainable energy solutions. He pointed to the Indo-French collaboration through the International Solar Alliance as a key initiative towards greener AI development. “The human brain can compose poetry and design spaceships while consuming less power than a lightbulb; AI must aspire to the same efficiency,” Modi remarked.
Macron’s Vision for a Competitive AI Ecosystem
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the European Union’s (EU) evolving AI policies, advocating for reduced regulations to foster AI innovation. Macron argued that excessive regulatory constraints could stifle AI growth in Europe, placing it at a disadvantage compared to the US and China.
Using the example of the rapid reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral through simplified regulations, Macron announced that France would adopt a “Notre-Dame approach” to AI governance. This involves streamlining approvals for AI data centers and investments. He also revealed that private sector investments worth €109 billion ($113 billion) had been secured for AI projects in France, including a new data center by the French startup Mistral.
Global AI Strategies: US, EU, and Industry Perspectives
The AI Summit also witnessed contrasting regulatory strategies from global leaders. While the US under President Donald Trump has deregulated AI to boost competitiveness, the EU is seeking to simplify its AI laws to attract more investment. European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen acknowledged industry concerns over overlapping regulations and pledged to cut bureaucratic hurdles.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the importance of fostering AI ecosystems worldwide, citing France as an emerging hub. Additionally, the launch of “Current AI,” a €400 million initiative backed by France, Germany, Google, and Salesforce, aimed at public-interest AI projects, was a major highlight.
However, concerns over AI risks persisted. Brian Chen of Data & Society warned that US pressure could weaken the EU’s AI Act, jeopardizing consumer protections. Labor leaders also voiced apprehensions about AI displacing workers into precarious jobs.
UN’s Call for Equitable AI Development
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed concerns over AI’s concentration in a few hands, warning that it could deepen geopolitical divides. “We must bridge the gap between developed and developing countries rather than widen it,” he stressed. Guterres advocated for a Global Digital Compact on AI governance and proposed an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Additionally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) flagged the rising energy demands of AI, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. “There is no AI without energy,” remarked IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, emphasizing the challenge governments face in ensuring clean, affordable electricity for AI expansion.
Modi-Macron Bilateral Talks and Future AI Collaborations
Apart from the AI Summit, Modi’s three-day visit to France includes bilateral talks with President Macron and engagements with business leaders. The leaders will travel to Marseille, where they will inaugurate an Indian consulate and visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.
Key announcements expected during Modi’s visit include enhanced India-France civil nuclear cooperation and the launch of an India-France Triangular Development Cooperation initiative. Furthermore, 2026 will be declared the “India-France Innovation Year,” marked by collaborative AI and technology initiatives.
Conclusion: AI as a Global Game-Changer
The AI Action Summit in Paris has set the stage for defining global AI governance. With India and France at the forefront, discussions on responsible AI deployment, sustainable energy solutions, and economic growth are shaping the future. As the AI race intensifies between the US, China, and Europe, this summit underscores the urgency of collaborative and inclusive AI strategies to balance innovation with ethical considerations.
PM Modi’s advocacy for democratized AI access and sustainability highlights India’s ambition to be a global leader in AI governance. As nations navigate this transformative era, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all of humanity will be the defining challenge of our time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the key focus of PM Modi’s speech at the AI Summit?
PM Modi emphasized global AI governance, workforce reskilling, equitable access, and the importance of sustainable AI energy solutions.
2. How is France supporting AI innovation?
France is simplifying AI regulations, attracting €109 billion in investments, and adopting a “Notre-Dame approach” to expedite AI project approvals.
3. What initiatives has India taken in AI development?
India has introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, built AI talent pools, and launched public-private partnerships for AI resources.
4. How is the AI Summit addressing energy consumption?
The summit highlighted the need for clean energy solutions, with discussions led by the International Energy Agency and AI leaders.
5. What are the expected outcomes of Modi’s visit to France?
Key outcomes include AI collaborations, nuclear cooperation, and the declaration of 2026 as the “India-France Innovation Year.”
