The recent launch of the US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) initiative underscores a notable progression in the science and technology relationship between India and the United States. The collaborative project aims to highlight areas where cooperation in AI can provide significant advancements, enhancing the nations’ standing in a rapidly developing tech landscape.
The Birth of the US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Established under the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) came into existence in March 2000. The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the U.S. Department of State serve as the respective nodal departments for IUSSTF.
Aims and Objectives of the USIAI initiative
The USIAI project will focus on fostering AI cooperation in areas that hold importance for both India and the United States. These areas include Healthcare, smart cities, materials, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors. The initiative has been designed to gather key stakeholders from both countries, thus providing a platform to address challenges and opportunities at the juncture of science, technology, and society.
Benefits of the USIAI initiative
Through the USIAI initiative, possibilities to explore and discuss the developing AI landscape will emerge. This will also facilitate addressing issues related to the formation of an AI workforce, tackling challenges and unearthing possible opportunities with AI’s help.
Recent Related Initiatives in India
In a related context, India has launched the National AI Strategy (NITI Aayog) and the National AI Portal (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). Recently, artificial intelligence has been leveraged across various sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare, e-commerce, finance, telecommunications, etc.
At the recently held CogX 2020, ‘MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot’ won two awards under the categories “Best Innovation for Covid-19 – Society” and “People’s Choice Covid-19 Overall Winner”. CogX is an annual leadership summit and global festival of AI & Emerging Technology held in London.
India was also announced as a founding member of the ‘Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)’, supporting responsible and human-centric development and use of AI.
The Impact of AI in India
According to a recent report, the use of artificial intelligence in India has seen a 45% increase, the highest among all countries. This surge is attributed to changes in buying behavior and emerging business challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
AI-Focused Events and Summits
India witnessed the organization of RAISE 2020 – ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020’ by the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Furthermore, the Vaishwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit took place in 2020, discussing key areas like quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.
About Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machines undertaking tasks that traditionally needed human intelligence. It encapsulates a range of technologies such as machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural networks, and self algorithms. These technologies have found significant roles in solving challenging problems in computer science, from Apple’s Siri to self-driving cars. AI differs from hardware-driven robotic automation; it is a broader concept than machine learning, including natural language processing, inference algorithms, and neuron networks. AI’s rapid progress signifies its increasing importance in the technology industry.
