- Thursday, May 08, 2025
While the PM expressed optimism about the significant impact of AI, he also cautioned that such advancements must be carefully weighed against the risk of misuse, especially by terrorist entities.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (12) raised concerns over threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfake technology, at Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit in Delhi.
Commencing the event, he expressed optimism about the significant impact of AI, emphasizing its “potential to revolutionize” India’s technological landscape. However, he cautioned that such advancements must be carefully weighed against the risk of misuse, especially by terrorist entities.
“AI has several positive impacts… but it could also have many negative impacts and this is a matter of concern. AI can become the biggest tool to help humanity’s development in the 21st century. But it can also play a major role in destroying us. Deepfake, for example, is a challenge for the world.”
Read: Indian businesses pip US, UK counterparts in using artificial intelligence: report
A deepfake refers to synthetic media created through the use of AI to manipulate or generate visual and audio content. Frequently employed for malicious purposes, it aims to make the content appear authentic.
“AI tools in the hands of terrorists is also a big threat. If terrorists get AI weapons (a reference to autonomous weapons powered by artificial intelligence that can operate without human intervention), this will have a huge impact on global security. We need to plan how to tackle this,” he said.
Read: Must protect world against weaponisation of artificial intelligence: Narendra Modi
Beginning his address optimistically, the prime minister highlighted the role of young individuals in leveraging AI for driving social change.
He emphasized, “Through the assistance of AI, we are dedicated to transforming the healthcare sector… The development mantra in India is collective support and participation from everyone.”
“The government will take full advantage of AI… will launch a big development drive. This will give innovators a big boost (and) there will be benefits in the health and agriculture sector.”
However, AI also has the potential to destroy the world as we know it, the prime minister said.
“If AI weapons reach terrorist organisations, it could pose a threat to global security. We have to move quickly to create a global framework for ethical use of AI among G20 countries. We have to take such steps together (so) that we take responsible steps,” Modi added.
Last month, Modi advocated for measures to guarantee the safety of AI for all segments of society. He urged G20 nations to collaborate on addressing this issue, emphasizing, “AI should benefit people, but it must prioritize safety.”
He made a similar pitch in August too, just ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Modi had called on business communities and governments to work together for the ethical use of AI.
