France-India AI Summit: Bridging Technology and Tradition for a Bright Future

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a hot topic today. From tools like ChatGpt to China’s DeepSeek, it’s clear that a global AI race is underway. As this competition grows, understanding AI is more important than ever.

UNDERSTANDING AI

AI lets computers perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. These tasks include making decisions, recognizing patterns, understanding language, and learning from experience. To grasp AI better, let’s look at its key components:

* Algorithms: These are sets of rules that guide AI in learning and making choices.

* Data: AI systems rely on large amounts of information to improve and function effectively.

* Computing power: Advanced hardware enables AI to process data quickly.

The idea of AI dates back to the late 1950s when scientists began exploring how machines could mimic human thought. Here are some key milestones:

* 1956: “Artificial Intelligence” is first coined at a conference.

* 1961: Unimate, the first industrial robot, starts working at General Motors.

* 1979: The AAAI, a key organization in AI, is founded.

* 1985: AARON, an autonomous art program, is showcased at an AAAI conference.

* 1997: IBM’s Deep Blue beats chess champion Gary Kasparov, marking a historic moment.

* 2006: Companies like Netflix and Facebook begin using AI in their services.

* 2011: Apple launches Siri, a popular virtual assistant.

* 2020: OpenAI starts beta testing GPT-3, which can generate text similar to humans.

With these developments, AI is poised to play a significant role in business and society. This shift will influence how governments adapt and manage AI’s impact. An upcoming AI summit between India and France highlights this trend.

INDIA-FRANCE AI SUMMIT

India and France, both major global players, are strengthening their technology ties. This was recently symbolized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France. They aim to collaborate on high-tech fields like AI, building on their existing partnerships in various technologies, including military collaborations. This summit could breathe new life into their relationship and set a strategic path forward. To understand this partnership better, let’s look at each country’s AI strategies. France’s AI strategy, announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2018, focuses on innovation and research. In India, the NITI Aayog developed a national AI framework that aims for inclusive growth and economic advancement.

AI AND SOCIETY

Both countries prioritize human and societal well-being in their AI strategies. They seek transformation that aligns with cultural values rather than simply pushing for technological change. However, AI’s advancement might also lead to societal unrest if not managed wisely. For instance, the European Union introduced the EU AI Act, emphasizing risk-based regulations to manage AI effectively. The upcoming AI summit in Paris in 2025 will be crucial for refining the technological partnership between India and the EU.

CONCLUSION

In today’s global landscape, India and France are finding new opportunities for collaboration. As they work together on AI and other technologies, their shared vision of strategic cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Governments must align their national goals with societal needs, fostering a strong community to harness AI safely and effectively.

* Dr. Manish Barma is a scholar from the School of International Studies at JNU and has taught International Relations and Security Studies in India.