Answer

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the simulation of human intelligence by machines, is reshaping global dynamics. India’s prominent role at the AI Action Summit in Paris highlights its commitment to influencing international AI policies. This leadership provides a platform to advocate for the interests of  Global South, ensuring that AI advancements are inclusive and address the unique challenges faced by these countries.

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India’s Co-chairmanship and Growing Tech Diplomacy

• Leadership in AI Governance: India’s co-chairmanship signifies its emerging leadership in shaping global AI governance by actively participating in multilateral AI safety frameworks while promoting innovation.
  For example: India’s role in the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) emphasizes the need for equitable AI access and responsible governance frameworks.
• Bridging Global North and South: India acts as a crucial intermediary, balancing the Global North’s AI regulatory priorities with the Global South’s need for AI-driven development solutions.
  For example: India’s G20 presidency (2023) led to a pro-innovation AI governance approach, integrating safety concerns with development needs.
• Advancing AI Diplomacy: India strengthens bilateral and multilateral AI partnerships, ensuring AI access and collaboration in frontier technologies with key global players.
  For example: India’s AI partnerships with the EU, U.S., and France focus on both AI safety and enabling AI-driven digital transformation.
• Shaping Ethical AI Frameworks: India’s advocacy for ethically responsible AI places it at the center of developing global norms that cater to diverse socio-economic realities.
  For example: The Bhashini initiative promotes linguistic diversity in AI, ensuring inclusivity for non-English speakers and enhancing AI accessibility in India.
• Strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure: India showcases its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) success, setting an example for scalable AI-driven solutions in governance and public services.
  For example: India’s Aadhaar and UPI models demonstrate how AI-driven innovations can enhance financial inclusion and public service efficiency.

Balancing Global South’s Interests with AI Safety Concerns

• Democratizing AI Access: India must ensure equitable access to AI computing resources, data, and foundational AI models for the Global South’s development needs.
  For example: India’s initiative to establish an AI computing facility with 18,000 GPUs demonstrates its commitment to democratising AI access.
• Developing AI for Local Needs: India should prioritize AI applications tailored to Global South contexts, addressing developmental gaps in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
  For example: AI-powered early disease detection tools customized for rural Indian healthcare highlight AI’s transformative potential in underserved areas.
• Ensuring AI Safety through Contextualized Regulation: AI safety regulations must be adapted to the Global South’s realities, rather than imposing Western AI risk frameworks.
  For example: India’s focus on AI’s cultural impact ensures that local languages and traditions are not eroded by Western-trained AI models.
• Promoting Open-Source AI Models: Encouraging open-source AI fosters collaboration and innovation, reducing dependency on Western AI monopolies.
  For example: The success of DeepSeek, an open-source AI model, highlights the importance of reducing restrictions on AI model exports.
• Advocating Ethical AI Development: India must lead discussions on bias mitigation, ethical AI use, and human-centric AI to safeguard the Global South’s interests.
  For example: India’s push for global AI transparency frameworks ensures that developing countries are not subjected to biased AI decision-making.

Maintaining Strategic Autonomy in the AI-Driven World Order

• Building Indigenous AI Capabilities: India must reduce AI dependency on global tech giants by investing in indigenous AI research, infrastructure, and talent development.
  For example: India’s AI mission and start-up ecosystem support homegrown AI firms, reducing reliance on foreign AI technologies.
• Developing AI Safety Institute: Establishing an AI Safety Institute allows India to set its AI regulatory standards rather than fully adopting Western AI frameworks.
  For example: India’s upcoming AI Safety Institute will shape risk mitigation strategies based on Indian and Global South priorities.
• Enhancing AI-driven Digital Sovereignty: Strengthening domestic cloud computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI chip production ensures autonomy in critical AI infrastructure.
  For example: India’s push for semiconductor manufacturing under the “India Semiconductor Mission” is a step toward digital self-reliance.
• Strategic AI Alliances Without Overdependence: India should collaborate with global AI leaders while maintaining autonomy in AI policymaking and data governance.
  For example: India’s AI cooperation with both the U.S. and France ensures access to advanced AI technologies while retaining policy independence.
• Developing an AI Ethical Charter for the Global South: India can spearhead an AI ethical charter that reflects its governance model and Global South concerns.
  For example: The GPAI summit hosted by India highlighted the need for responsible AI development with equitable resource access.

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By championing inclusive AI frameworks, India can bridge the Global South’s aspirations and AI safety imperatives. Promoting ethical AI policies, fostering South-South cooperation, and driving indigenous innovation will ensure a just AI landscape. With strategic autonomy as its compass, India can lead the world towards “AI for All, Safety for Sure.”

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