Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a clear warning that it must not become a tool for harm. Speaking on Sunday at the third session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Modi called for strict restrictions on the use of AI in deepfakes, crimes, terrorism. He urged global leaders to come together and create a compact that ensures AI is used responsibly guided by principles of human oversight, safety by design and transparenct approach.
Modi’s remarks come at a time when AI is advancing rapidly with both immense potential and equally significant risks. “We must ensure that technology serves humanity and not the other way around,” he said.
Before addressing the summit session, Modi took part in the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening ties with these developing nations through South-South cooperation.
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The discussions touched on reforming global governance. These also promoted trade and investment in addition to expanding collaboration in technology, critical minerals, skilling and food security. Modi underlined that India aims to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors from culture and commerce to AI and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held talks with President Ramaphosa. There he reviewed the full spectrum of India-South Africa partnerships. The leaders explored ways to boost trade linkages and encourage investment. They also touched upon how they could diversify technological collaboration.
Areas like AI, critical minerals, and youth skill development were flagged as priority sectors in the summit. Modi went on to stress that strengthening these partnerships would create new opportunities for economic growth and innovation that can benefit both nations and the wider region.