EU Commission President Commends India’s Digital Infrastructure Success and Calls for Consensus on AI Regulation
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has lauded India’s commendable achievement in implementing Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI), emphasizing their potential to bolster emerging economies. Von der Leyen expressed her support for the initiatives spearheaded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting the vast possibilities that lie ahead while highlighting the importance of interoperability, openness, and trust in building public digital infrastructure.
According to a recent World Bank report, India has outperformed expectations by achieving its financial inclusion goals in just six years through the adoption of DPI. The report highlights the significant role played by initiatives such as Aadhaar, Jan Dhan bank accounts, and increased mobile phone accessibility in raising India’s financial inclusion rate to a remarkable 80%. This accomplishment would have otherwise taken nearly five decades to accomplish without the DPI approach.
Addressing the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), von der Leyen acknowledged the vast opportunities it offers, as well as the risks it presents. Notably, even the creators and innovators of AI acknowledge the need for political leaders to regulate its use. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of effectively harnessing this rapidly evolving technology, highlighting the need for a global framework to mitigate AI risks and encourage investments in safe and responsible AI systems.
Supporting the notion that the future is undoubtedly digital, von der Leyen emphasized the urgency to facilitate innovation while simultaneously building trust. She urged the international community, led by Europe and its partners, to develop a comprehensive strategy that defends against systemic societal risks and promotes investment in secure AI systems.
In relation to the recent New Delhi G20 Summit, von der Leyen underscored that no nation expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s exclusion from the event. Additionally, she refrained from drawing comparisons between the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In conclusion, the European Union Commission President praised India for its remarkable success in deploying Digital Public Infrastructures, recognizing its potential to transform emerging economies. Von der Leyen called for political consensus on AI regulation, acknowledging the risks and opportunities associated with the rapidly advancing technology. She stressed the need for a global framework to address AI risks effectively and drive investments in secure and responsible AI systems. The future, von der Leyen asserted, is undeniably digital, and proactive measures must be taken to shape it accordingly.
