Bill Gates Meets PM Modi: From AI, UPI To 'Vocal For Local', Here’s Everything They Discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked with Bill Gates about how India is using artificial intelligence (AI) in different areas like governance, economy, education, and medicine during their recent meeting. Modi joked that in India, babies might start saying "AI" along with "aai" (meaning mother) because of its importance.

Modi mentioned practical examples of AI use, like language interpretation during the G20 event and real-time translation of his speech into Tamil. Gates praised India's progress in AI, saying it's entering a new phase where AI will enhance digital infrastructure.

“Let me share the exciting use of AI. It will make you happy to see how a common man demonstrates its practical benefits. Our G20 campus featured AI-based solutions for language interpretation. We equipped all chauffers with a mobile app, enabling seamless communication with the guests. For instance, if a guest spoke French, the app would allow the chauffer to understand. This facilitated smooth conversations between speakers of different languages.”

“Recently, I went to the Kashi Tamil Sangam event. As I can’t speak Tamil, I delivered my speech in Hindi which was translated into Tamil real-time using AI, allowing attendees from Tamil Nadu to understand me clearly,” Modi added.

Bill Gates Meets PM Modi

In response Bill Gates praised India’s adoption of AI in different fields “I think the key point is that the digital infrastructure keeps getting richer. A lot of people know about the identity system and the payment systems… But as you are moving into the different areas for farmers, registering their land, tutoring for kids and the health records, that’s kind of a second phase.”

“And we are just at the beginning now of the third phase where these advances in artificial intelligence will come on top of that and make the value even better,” he added.

Modi described India's digital growth as the fourth industrial revolution and emphasised India's potential in this field. He also talked about AI's role in public good, encouraging startups to find solutions for global challenges.

“…Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions, we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this,” the PM said.

Modi and Gates talked about many things at Modi's house, like AI, digital infrastructure, and climate change. Modi asked Gates to take a selfie using the NaMo App's Photo Booth. The app now uses AI to help users find their pictures with Modi through facial recognition. Modi keeps saying that India will be the best in AI. He wants young entrepreneurs to create solutions that can help not only India but also other countries.

?The Indian government has approved a Rs 10,000 crore plan for the India AI Mission to support AI innovation and infrastructure. Modi and Gates previously discussed AI for public good, women-led development, and innovation in agriculture and health.

Gates later tweeted about their meeting, highlighting their discussions on various topics including AI, development, and innovation.

“It is always inspiring to meet with @narendramodi and there was a lot to discuss. We talked about AI for public good; DPI; women-led development; innovation in agriculture, health, and climate adaptation; and how we can take lessons from India to the world,” Gates had posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Apart from talking about AI, G20 and digital payment also gifted each other amazing gifts:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bill Gates recently met and discussed various topics including AI, development, innovation and gifted each other. Bill Gates presented a few nutrition books to PM Modi as gifts in return gift PM Modi presented him with 'Vocal for Local' gift hampers.

While gifting the books Bill Gates said, "Finally you making progress on nutrition"

PM Modi gifted Bill Gates famous Tamil Nadu Pearls, Modi said, "In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu they cultivate pearls. It is also known as the Pearl City. The local fishermen have done remarkable work in this field. During my visit, I decided I would show this to you and bring some for you"

PM Modi also gifted a traditional Terracotta to Bill Gates, while presenting the gift Modi said, "Terracotta, an ancient Indian tradition holds a special place in Tamil Nadu. It's widely celebrated, gracing both temples and homes with unique items crafted specifically for worship"

PM Modi then gifted Kashmiri Pashmina artistry and saffron to Gates, while presenting he stated, "Pashmina artistry thrives in Kashmir alongside the cultivation of saffron and both contributing to the region's global exports"

"Currently, I am championing the "Vocal for Local" movement along with my initiative "One District, One Product" to promote local specialities. When I travel abroad and present these district-specific items to my guests, the local people feel proud "

PM Modi also gifted Darjeeling tea, and Nilgiri tea and said "I saw you were enjoying a tea discussion recently"

"These days, the "One District, One Product" initiative is gaining popularity. I hope that all these memories I have shared will state with you"