Jasveer Singh
India AI at Paris : ‘Data for Development’ Takes Centre Stage at AI Action Summit 2025
India AI at Paris : The AI Action Summit 2025, co-hosted by France and India, is a crucial platform for discussing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable development. Held in Paris, the summit gathers world leaders, policymakers, tech executives, and researchers to explore the theme “Data for Development”, highlighting how data can drive global progress.
India AI at Paris : Harnessing AI for Inclusive Growth
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his opening speech, emphasized AI’s transformative potential in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. He stressed the importance of ethical AI deployment to ensure its benefits reach all communities while mitigating risks.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chairing the summit, reaffirmed India’s commitment to AI-driven inclusive growth. He cited India’s advancements in digital infrastructure, such as Aadhaar and the Digital India initiative, as key examples of how data can drive development. Modi also called for global collaboration to establish frameworks that support responsible data sharing while safeguarding privacy and national interests.
France’s €109 Billion AI Investment
A major highlight of the summit was France’s announcement of a €109 billion investment in AI over the coming years. This initiative aims to enhance Europe’s technological independence, strengthen data center capabilities, and expand semiconductor production. Macron underscored the need for Europe to maintain its AI leadership while upholding democratic values in AI governance.
Launch of ‘Current AI’ Initiative
A key milestone at the summit was the launch of “Current AI,” a global public-private partnership aimed at advancing large-scale AI initiatives for the public good. This initiative seeks to ensure AI serves societal well-being by addressing challenges such as climate change, global health, and digital inclusion.
Geopolitical Impact of AI
The summit also tackled the geopolitical implications of AI. A major discussion point was China’s DeepSeek chatbot, viewed as a strong competitor to Western AI models like ChatGPT. This has prompted calls for democratic nations to take the lead in AI innovation, ensuring ethical standards remain central to development.
Concerns were also raised regarding AI safety regulations, with some experts criticizing the summit’s draft declaration for overlooking commitments to cybersecurity, biotechnology risks, and misinformation control. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing technological progress with ethical responsibility.
The Role of Data in Global Development
The summit’s theme, “Data for Development,” highlights the importance of data in driving innovation and informed policymaking. However, panelists warned against data monopolies and stressed the need for regulatory frameworks that promote fair data-sharing while protecting individual rights.
India’s role is particularly significant, given its experience in using AI to enhance public services. By championing inclusive digital growth, India aligns with the summit’s goal of using AI as a tool for equitable global development.
Looking Ahead
Key expected outcomes from the AI Action Summit 2025 include:
- Concrete strategies for ethical AI implementation
- Strengthened global partnerships for responsible data-sharing
- Increased AI research and infrastructure investments for sustainable growth
Through global cooperation and responsible AI governance, the summit aims to ensure AI and data serve as catalysts for sustainable and inclusive development, making technology beneficial for all.
