Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a university in Slovakia, calling it a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration in emerging technologies.In a statement shared on social media, the Prime Minister welcomed the initiative and said that AI should serve humanity and become a strong medium for progress and public good. He emphasized that India’s approach to AI is rooted not only in innovation, but also in trust, responsibility, and human dignity.The announcement reflects India’s growing engagement with global academic institutions to shape the future of AI governance, research, and ethical development. The proposed India Chair is expected to promote joint studies, academic exchange, and collaborative research between Indian and Slovak institutions in the field of artificial intelligence.Focus on ethical and human-centric AI developmentHighlighting India’s vision for technology, the Prime Minister reiterated that the future of AI must go beyond technological advancement and be anchored in ethical principles. He said that innovation must be guided by responsibility and a commitment to human welfare.The initiative aligns with India’s broader digital strategy, which promotes the use of AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and skill development, while ensuring safeguards around transparency and accountability.Officials noted that such academic collaborations are crucial for building a global framework for responsible AI development, especially as countries increasingly adopt artificial intelligence in critical decision-making systems.Strengthening India’s global academic footprintThe establishment of the India Chair in Slovakia is also seen as part of India’s efforts to expand its academic and research footprint internationally. Through such partnerships, India aims to contribute to global knowledge systems while also learning from advanced research ecosystems abroad.The move is expected to facilitate faculty exchange, joint research projects, and student engagement programmes between Indian and Slovak institutions. It also reinforces India’s positioning as a key voice in global discussions on ethical and inclusive AI development.Experts believe that initiatives like this will play an important role in shaping international norms for artificial intelligence, particularly at a time when AI technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies worldwide.The announcement has been welcomed as a step forward in strengthening academic diplomacy and deepening India’s role in global technology governance.
