PM Modi calls for end of tech monopoly at G7 meet, says Global South bearing brunt of world tensions

In an address at an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia region, Prime Minister Modi said the countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of uncertainties and tensions around the world.

"We have to collectively ensure that the benefits of technology reach all sections of society, to realize the potential of every person in the society, to help in removing social inequalities, and expand human powers instead of limiting them. This should not only be our desire, but our responsibility. We have to convert monopoly in technology into mass usage," he said.

"We have to 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 its human-centric approach. India is among the first few countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence," the Indian PM said.

He spoke about the launch of  A.I. Mission.

"It is derived from the mantra "A.I. for All”. As a founding member and lead chair of the Global Partnership for AI, we are promoting cooperation among all countries. During the G-20 Summit hosted by India last year, we emphasized the importance of international governance in the field of A.I. In the time to come, we will continue to work together with all countries to make A.I. transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible," PM Modi said.

Modi also spoke about his government's resolve to build a developed India by 2047.

"Our commitment is that no section of the society should be left behind in the country's development journey. This is also important in the context of international cooperation," he said.

The countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions, PM Modi said, adding that India has considered it its responsibility to place the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage.

"We have given high priority to Africa in these efforts. We are proud that the G-20, under India's chairmanship, made the African Union a permanent member. India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all African countries, and will continue to do so,"  he said.

Earlier PM Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis in Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy's Apulia region. India has been invited to the G7 Summit as an Outreach country.

He also met US Predient Joe Biden on the sidelines of G& summit.

Despite, tensions among India and Canada, PM Modi has a warm meeting with Justine Trudeau at the event.

He also held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit.