Stating that AI is only as powerful a tool as the data available to it to process and generate solutions, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the world’s AI journey is incomplete without India.
Speaking at the Mumbai Tech Week, Goyal also addressed queries on AI’s possible status as an industry in India, stating that IT companies must look beyond the recognition of an industry tag for AI.
“AI does not need the benefits that previously came along with the title of industry like loan concessions. In today’s time, it doesn’t matter what tag AI gets. Success is the only tag we will give to AI in Mumbai,” said Goyal.
Compelling space
Talking about Mumbai’s role in the AI space, the minister also argued that with upcoming transport infrastructure, the city will become a compelling space for the tech world. Pointing out that Mumbai also serves as the landing zone for international fibre optic underground cables, the city is a popular space for data centres and hyperscalers like Google or Microsoft. He expressed confidence on seeing huge investments for data centres in the city, especially considering the innovation city mentioned by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier.
Goyal also said that “no effort to bring AI at the centre stage of our lives could be complete without some Indian playing a role somewhere along the chain.” Stating that India’s role in the AI space is well-recognised, he talked about how AI figured into the country’s discussions around free trade agreements, trade negotiations, digital engagement, data privacy, free flow of data and its localization.
In terms of regulation, Goyal said there is a need for a wider debate before formulating policies around “sensitive subjects” like data privacy or ethical use of AI. The government must engage with all stakeholders, said Goyal, giving the example of the first version of the data protection law of India.
“I’m not so worried that AI regulation has to be debated, well-considered policies have to be prepared, because policies done in a rush, particularly in a sensitive subject like data privacy or ethical use of AI need wider debate,” he said.