Modi Pushes Responsible AI & Bolstered South‑South Ties at BRICS

• PM Modi called for stronger multilateralism and responsible AI use at the BRICS Summit.
• Proposed BRICS science repository and collaboration on critical supply chains.
• Announced India will host the AI Impact Summit next year.

In his address at the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of a multilateral process, doing economic cooperation, and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) needs to be handled responsibly.

In his remarks during the session of 'Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence', he thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for allowing him to put forward India's views to countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The Prime Minister stated, "It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity to share my views with friendly countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia in the BRICS Outreach Summit".

He added, "Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. Today, as the world order faces pressures from all sides and the world is going through many challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should together consider how BRICS can become a guide for the multipolar world in the times to come".

Prime Minister Modi made four important recommendations to improve BRICS cooperation. He said that the Working Group on Multilateral Development Banks has made steady progress on economic cooperation in BRICS, and certainly recognized the work of the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance. He welcomed Brazil's study into reforming the international financial system.

Modi said, "In the form of BRICS New Development Bank, we have offered a strong and credible alternative to support the development aspirations of countries in the Global South. While approving projects, the NDB must focus on demand-driven approaches, long-term financial sustainability, and healthy credit rating. Strengthening our internal systems will further enhance the credibility of our call for reformed multilateralism".

Secondly, the Prime Minister said that the countries of the Global South have special expectations from BRICS and the group should work together to meet them.

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He also mentioned, "For instance, the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, is a valuable initiative to enhance collaboration in agricultural research. It can become a medium for sharing research and best practices in topics such as agri-biotech, precision farming, and climate change adaptation. We can also extend its benefits to countries in the Global South".

Further, he emphasized that the Global South has big asks from BRICS and called for collective action in support of them. He suggested projects such as India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ and a common BRICS Science and Research Repository.

He also suggested cooperation on securing supply chains for critical minerals and technologies.

"In the 21st century, the progress and well-being of people largely depends on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. On one hand, AI can greatly improve everyday life; while on the other hand, it also raises concerns about risks, ethics, and bias", Modi stated.

"India’s approach and policy on this topic are clear: We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and potential. Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All’, today we’re widely and actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, governance in India", he added.

Finally, on AI, Modi called for development of global standards for ethical and responsible use of technology and suggested developing tools for verification of the authenticity of digital content. He announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partner countries to join by adding, "We hope for your active participation to make this summit a great success".

Prime Minister Modi noted, "The Global South has many hopes from us. To fulfil them, we must follow the principle of ‘Lead by Example’. India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals".