In a significant moment at the AI Action Summit in Paris, US Vice President JD Vance expressed strong support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in economic growth. The summit, which was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi, brought together global leaders to discuss the future of AI, its implications for economic development, and the ethical considerations that come with its rapid advancement.
Vance, speaking on behalf of the Trump administration, emphasized the United States’ commitment to a pro-worker approach to AI, ensuring that technological advancements drive job creation rather than displacement. He reiterated PM Modi’s belief that AI will enhance productivity rather than replace human workers. This endorsement highlights the growing global recognition of India’s approach to AI development and workforce readiness.
JD Vance’s Statement: AI as a Tool for Growth, Not Job Loss
During his address, Vice President JD Vance dismissed fears that AI would lead to widespread job losses. Instead, he stressed that AI should be seen as a tool to increase productivity and enhance economic prosperity.
“I appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s point. AI, I believe, will facilitate and make people more productive. It is not going to replace human beings. It will never replace human beings,” Vance stated confidently.
He further criticized what he described as overblown concerns about AI-induced job losses, suggesting that many industry leaders misinterpret the true potential of AI. According to Vance, AI will drive efficiency, prosperity, and individual freedom, rather than leading to economic displacement.
“Too many leaders in the AI industry, when they talk about this fear of replacing workers, miss the point. AI, we believe, is going to make us more productive, more prosperous, and more free,” he added.
PM Modi’s Vision: A Democratic and Transparent AI
In his keynote speech at the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for an AI ecosystem that is democratic, transparent, and free from biases. He urged global leaders and tech developers to focus on creating open-source AI systems that enhance trust and promote inclusivity.
“We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets free from biases,” Modi stated.
He also addressed concerns over AI-driven job displacement, arguing that historical trends indicate that technology does not eliminate work but rather transforms it. Modi called for investments in upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that workers are prepared for an AI-driven future.
“Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption. But, history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes, and new types of jobs are created. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future,” he added.
Macron’s Role in the AI Summit
French President Emmanuel Macron, who co-chaired the summit, played a key role in facilitating discussions on AI governance, ethical AI deployment, and collaborative efforts to regulate AI. Macron has been a strong advocate for ensuring that AI development aligns with democratic values and human rights. Macron’s leadership in fostering international collaboration on AI underscores France’s growing influence in the global AI debate. His administration has actively pushed for European AI regulations that balance innovation with ethical considerations.
Modi’s Meeting with JD Vance and Macron
Before the summit, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by President Macron at the Élysée Palace, where they held a formal dinner. During this visit, Modi met with US Vice President JD Vance, congratulating him on his electoral victory. In a video shared by Macron, Modi and Vance exchanged greetings, with Modi saying:
“Congratulations. Great, great victory.”
This brief yet significant interaction further reinforced the strengthening India-US relations under the Trump administration, particularly in the field of technology and AI.
The AI Action Summit in Paris marked a crucial moment in global AI discussions, with PM Modi’s perspective gaining strong support from US Vice President JD Vance. Modi’s emphasis on inclusive, unbiased, and democratic AI aligns with the broader vision of creating technology-driven economic growth without sacrificing job security. As AI continues to evolve, world leaders are recognizing the need for collaborative governance and ethical frameworks to ensure that AI remains a force for positive transformation. With Modi’s upcoming US visit, India’s role in shaping the global AI discourse is set to expand further, reinforcing its position as a tech leader on the world stage.