Google will expand AI applications in India: CEO Sundar Pichai
What's the story
Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, has expressed his commitment to exploring more applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in India. This pledge was made during a roundtable discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York on Sunday. The meeting was part of Modi's three-day visit to the US and included other tech industry leaders such as Shantanu Narayen from Adobe, Arvind Krishna from IBM, and Lisa Su from AMD.
Digital transformation
Pichai praises Modi's initiatives
Pichai lauded Modi's dedication to transforming India through his Digital India vision. He stated, "The Prime Minister has been focused on transforming India with his Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, design in India." Pichai also revealed that Google's Pixel phones are now being manufactured in the country, aligning with this vision of domestic production and innovation.
AI applications
Tech leaders to harness AI for India
During the discussion, Modi encouraged the tech leaders to consider how AI could be utilized in various sectors such as healthcare and education. Pichai shared that Modi is "really thinking about how AI can transform India in a way that benefits the people of India." The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for robust infrastructure including data centers and energy sources, to support this technological transition.
Investment boost
Google intensifies AI investment in the country
Pichai disclosed that Google is significantly investing in AI and collaborating with Indian government bodies to uncover more opportunities for AI in the country. He stated, "We are robustly investing in AI in India and we look forward to doing more." The tech giant has several programs underway with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Agriculture and Health ministries, as well as central and state governments.
Future outlook
Modi has a clear vision on AI: Pichai
Pichai highlighted Modi's clear vision regarding the opportunities that AI will create. He said, "He has a clear vision both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create." The Google CEO further noted that Modi is determined to ensure these advancements ultimately benefit India's citizens, stating "But he wants to make sure ultimately AI is there to benefit the people of India."