Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his firm belief that no technology can ever replace the “boundless creativity and imagination” of the human mind.

In a podcast with American research scientist Lex Fridman, the prime minister was asked whether he feared that artificial intelligence (AI) might replace humans. He responded by noting that technology is often portrayed as a threat to human existence, but emphasized that with every technological advancement, humans have adapted and stayed ahead. He further highlighted that it is humans who ultimately find the best ways to leverage technology to their advantage.

“I believe that with AI, humans are now being forced to reflect on what it truly means to be human. This is the real power of AI. Because of the way AI functions, it has challenged how we perceive work itself. But human imagination is the fuel,” the prime minister said.

“AI can create many things based on that, and in the future, it may achieve even more. Still, I firmly believe that no technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind.”

PM Modi also stressed that humans possess an inherent ability to care for one another and a natural inclination to be concerned about others. “Now, can anyone tell me, is AI capable of this?” he asked.

Discussing the future of AI, the PM said that no matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India’s involvement. “I make this statement with full responsibility,” he said, reiterating his remarks from the recent AI summit in France, where he called for global cooperation. “I believe that AI development must be a collaborative effort,” he added.