AI is offering Global South a unique opportunity to catch up fast: Microsoft’s Brad Smith

Core Insights - India is being positioned as a 'land of digital opportunity' with significant investments in AI infrastructure, particularly a $200 billion push for AI data centers [1][3][6] - The trade agreement between the US and India is expected to open markets for digital services, facilitating investment in both countries [1][6] - Microsoft, with a market cap of $2.95 trillion, is a key player in this initiative, having announced a $17 billion investment in India [1][4][7] AI Infrastructure and Opportunities - There are opportunities in India across the AI infrastructure, platforms, and applications layers, reinforcing its status as the world's software development capital [2][6] - AI applications are anticipated to have a profound impact on various sectors, including healthcare, energy consumption, and literacy [2][7] - The developer population in India is encouraged to adapt to new skills and working methods to meet the growing demand for technology [3][7] Economic Divide and Global South - The technology divide has contributed to the economic divide between the global North and South, and there is a need to avoid repeating this with AI [5][7] - Bringing AI to the global South presents a significant opportunity for catch-up growth, necessitating infrastructure improvements beyond just data centers [5][6][7] - Ensuring AI works effectively in multiple languages and improving connectivity and electricity access are critical for maximizing AI's potential in these regions [5][7]