At the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, who hails from India, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the “incredible opportunities” AI could bring to India. They also explored ways in which Google and India can collaborate to advance the country’s digital transformation.
Pichai shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, offering a snapshot of his meeting with Modi. The caption read: “Delighted to meet with PM @narendramodi today while in Paris for the AI Action Summit. We discussed the incredible opportunities AI will bring to India and ways we can work closely together on India’s digital transformation.”
This meeting took place as PM Modi arrived in France on Tuesday to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. In his speech, Modi advocated for a global framework for AI, emphasizing that global collaboration is essential to creating governance structures and standards that mitigate risks, foster trust, and encourage innovation.
Modi also addressed the concerns surrounding AI’s impact on jobs, highlighting the need for “skilling and re-skilling” the workforce to prepare for an AI-driven future. He noted that while the fear of job loss is a significant concern, history shows that technology doesn’t eliminate jobs—it transforms them. “We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future,” he said.
Speaking on the broader role of humans in the AI age, Modi reassured that despite AI’s advancements, humans will remain at the center of shaping our collective future. “We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity,” he said. “Some worry about machines becoming more intelligent than humans, but no one holds the key to our shared destiny other than us humans.”
JD Vance, the newly-elected Vice President of the United States, also attended the summit and echoed Modi’s sentiment, stating, “AI will facilitate and make people more productive. It is not going to replace human beings, it will never replace human beings.”
While in France, Modi also addressed a forum of Indian and French CEOs, emphasizing the forum’s importance in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. He called it “more than just a business event,” describing it as a convergence of the brightest minds from both countries who are embracing innovation, collaboration, and progress. He added, “You are actively reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France.”
Modi further encouraged investments in India, stating, “This is the time to come to India; this is the right time. The progress of all sectors is linked to the progress of India.” He cited the aviation sector as an example, noting the expansion of airports with 120 new ones set to open, highlighting the future possibilities for growth.
