Italy- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for ending the monopoly in technology and said it must be made creative to lay the foundation of an inclusive society.
In an address at an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italy’s Apulia region, Modi said the countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of uncertainties and tensions around the world. India has considered it its responsibility to put the priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on the world stage, he said.
“In these efforts, we have given high priority to Africa. We are proud that the G-20, under the chairmanship of India, made the African Union a permanent member,” he said.
“India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all the countries of Africa, and will continue to do so in the future,” Modi said.
The prime minister spoke extensively on the importance of ending monopoly in technology with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence.
“We must 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 this human-centric approach,” he said.
Modi said India is among the first few countries to formulate a national strategy on artificial intelligence.
“Based on this strategy, we have launched the AI Mission this year. Its basic mantra is ‘AI for All’. As a founding member and lead chair of the global partnership for AI, we are promoting cooperation among all countries,” he said.
The prime minister said at the G-20 summit hosted by India last year, New Delhi stressed the importance of international governance in the field of AI.
“In the future too, we will continue to work together with all countries to make AI transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible,” he said.
The prime minister said India’s approach in the field of energy is also based on four principles — availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability.
“We are making every possible effort to fulfill our commitment to achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070. Together we should make efforts to make the coming time a green era,” he said.
Modi Holds Talks With World Leaders
Prime Minister Modi engaged in a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, on Friday.
Among the prominent leaders he met, Modi held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in the afternoon, focusing on strengthening their partnership across various sectors.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron encompassed areas such as defence, nuclear cooperation, space exploration, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, critical technologies, connectivity, and culture. Both leaders agreed to intensify strategic defence cooperation, emphasizing the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
They also resolved to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), critical and emerging technologies, energy, and sports, in preparation for upcoming events like the AI Summit and the United Nations Oceans Conference to be hosted by France next year.
Highlighting the importance of a robust Strategic Partnership between India and France for global stability and prosperity, Modi and Macron pledged to elevate their cooperation to new heights. Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to President Macron for the forthcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Giving details of the PM’s meeting with Macron, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: “Taking Strategic Partnership to new levels! PM @narendramodi met President @EmmanuelMacron of France on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy.”
“The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the partnership including in areas of defence, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, critical technologies, connectivity and culture. They also exchanged views on key global and regional issues,” he added.
PM Modi also met UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the summit, reaffirming his commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions between Modi and Sunak explored avenues for deeper collaboration in semiconductors, technology, trade, and defence.
Additionally, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and said it was a productive one and that India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. On the war with Russia, the PM reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy.
Day one of the summit was dominated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the leaders agreed on a US proposal to back a $ 50-billion loan to Kyiv utilising frozen Russian assets, described by US President Joe Biden as a “significant outcome” and a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his departure statement, PM Modi had said he was “glad” that his first foreign visit in his third term as Prime Minister was to Italy for the G7 Summit.
“I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” his statement said.
In her opening address at the meeting of the G7 leaders, Meloni said southern Italy was chosen as the venue to send a strong message to the Global South. “It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South,” she said.
The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Pope Francis, and they shared a hug. The Prime Minister invited Pope Francis to visit India and said he admires his commitment to serving people and making the planet better.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation at the G7 Summit includes engagements with leaders of G7 countries, Outreach Countries, and international organizations, underscoring India’s proactive role in global affairs and commitment to enhancing bilateral and multilateral ties
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