Microsoft’s former CEO Bill Gates on Wednesday hailed India’s achievements in artificial intelligence (AI), saying that the country’s leadership in AI will drive innovation worldwide.
Speaking at the “Future Forward” event—an action-driven forum that brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and changemakers to foster collaboration and real-world impact—the Gates Foundation Chairman said, “Similar to how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has garnered global attention, India’s leadership in AI will drive innovation worldwide.”
Gates mentioned that he recently spoke with Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure India’s participation in the upcoming AI Summit, which aims to benefit countries, particularly from the Global South.
“I recently spoke with the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology about the upcoming AI summit, which I believe will be a fantastic opportunity. The foundation will ensure that governments, especially from the Global South, participate and benefit from India’s advancements,” he said during the event in New Delhi.
Explaining the potential benefits of AI, Gates highlighted that it will accelerate advancements in areas such as mRNA vaccines, agricultural innovation, and the fight against malnutrition.
“By gathering and analyzing data, we can implement targeted interventions and eliminate barriers that hold people back,” he added.
The Gates Foundation Chairman also praised the capabilities of Indian companies in developing low-cost, high-quality vaccines and commended the country’s healthcare sector.
Through partnerships with companies like Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech, and IRI, India has played a key role in producing affordable, high-quality vaccines that are used globally.
“Without Indian innovation, vaccines wouldn’t be as affordable or accessible,” Gates emphasized.
With ongoing partnerships and investments in digital infrastructure, health, and education, Gates said that India is well-positioned to continue its transformative journey, inspiring progress on a global scale.
ANI