AI-savvy PM Modi wows NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s understanding of technology has captivated major tech leaders, including NVIDIA’s renowned CEO, Jensen Huang.
Huang expressed that Modi’s vision for a digital India and his familiarity with emerging technologies like AI have positioned the country prominently on the global tech stage. He highlighted how government initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India have significantly contributed to the advancement of India’s tech landscape.
At Friday’s NVIDIA AI Summit in Mumbai, Huang recalled his first meeting with Prime Minister Modi six years prior, expressing surprise when Modi asked him to address his Cabinet on artificial intelligence.
“It was truly the first time any government leader, any national leader, asked me to address his Cabinet on this specific topic. This was long before artificial intelligence was on anyone’s radar,” Huang noted.
This encounter was not the first instance of Modi leaving Huang impressed.
After a crucial roundtable discussion between the prime minister and prominent technology CEOs, Huang praised Modi’s enthusiasm for emerging technologies, especially AI. As a leader in AI hardware and software, Huang commended Modi’s vision for integrating AI into India’s future growth.
“He is an exceptional student, and whenever I meet him, he is eager to learn about technology, artificial intelligence, and the potential opportunities for India, as well as the impact on Indian society and industry,” Huang remarked.
Huang emphasized Modi’s keen interest in how AI can benefit India, noting its potential to enhance society beyond just economic growth, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
He also pointed out that India plays a crucial role in the tech landscape, being home to some of the world’s leading computer scientists. This positions India as a significant player in AI innovation. “India is home to some of the finest computer scientists globally. This presents a tremendous opportunity,” Huang stated.
To bolster India’s AI capabilities, PM Modi has established AI Centers of Excellence and advocated for AI supercomputers. He aims to leverage technology for the benefit of all, as demonstrated by initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Skill India. These initiatives illustrate how AI can transform various sectors and improve the lives of millions of Indians.
India’s Competitive Edge in the Global AI Race
India has emerged as a formidable contender in the global AI arena, leveraging its vast pool of engineering talent and robust IT sector. The nation leads in the distribution of AI skills and talent concentration, with projections suggesting it will have around 1.25 million AI professionals by 2027.
The IT industry, which significantly contributes to India’s GDP, boasts an AI adoption rate of 60–65%, higher than the national average of 48%. This makes India an appealing destination for investment and generates numerous job opportunities worldwide. Additionally, the country’s linguistic diversity offers an excellent environment for testing and refining AI solutions for global applications.
