Over 10 Parliamentarians from 5 different APPGs, 3 thinktanks (AI Policy Labs, Big Innovation Centre and World Economic Forum) and Deputy Director of UK-India Tech Partnership participated in the discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring ways to enhance UK-India bilateral relationship.
Chaired by Virendra Sharma, the roundtable is the first in a series of events as part of the joint efforts between Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Policy thinktank AI Policy Labs on the UK India AI Partnership program. The program looks at AI partnerships towards strengthening bilateral relations and for inclusive development.
Speaking during the roundtable discussion Virendra Sharma MP said, “I hope this roundtable discussion started a vital dialogue and informed us how to better come out more robust, more resilient and future-ready in a post-Covid world.
“In a world where democratic principles are threatened, it is of utmost importance that we as policymakers ensure the foundation of future technology is done in a free, fair and democratic manner. Empowering the people, providing employment to many and making our businesses future- ready. Now let us all work towards creating a more environmentally friendly world; by investing not for profit but the future of our children and theirs. Working together towards the future of humanity by using the means of technological innovations like Artificial Intelligence.”
Speakers included Mr Virendra Sharma, Chair, Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group; Mr Bob Blackman, Co-Chair, Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group; Viscount Waverley, Vice-Chair, Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group; Mr Mohindra Gagan, Vice-Chair, APPG on International Trade and Investment; The Rt Hon. the Baroness Prashar CBE, Chair, APPG on Commonwealth; Jayant Narayan, Global AI Alliance, World Economic Forum, Karen McKluskie, Deputy Director UK India Tech Partnership, British High Commission, New Delhi and Brigitte Andersen, CEO, Big Innovation Centre.
The lively discussion between the Parliamentarians and experts presented pathways, ideas and opinion on drafting policy for businesses and methods to foster a future-ready environment between the UK and India. The event resulted in further collaboration planned between British and Indian start-ups, where Viscount Waverly, Lord Sheikh and Baroness Prashar all shared their interest in working with India Indian businesses on the development of AI. Mr Gagan MP emphasized on the importance of UK-India friendly relationship for the development of technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Finally, Mr Sharma concluded the session by the following statement.
Uday Nagaraju said, “AI has permeated into all areas of life, and partnerships are critical for bilateral relations. UK India AI partnerships can play a significant role in enhancing bilateral ties and for inclusive development. AI Policy Labs will bring together stakeholders in policy, business, academia in furthering these partnerships.”
