The Summit of the Future, set for September 22-23, 2024, is a watershed moment in global diplomacy and international norm-building in artificial intelligence (AI). The summit, convened by the United Nations, intends to advance the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which wants to develop a collaborative multi-stakeholder framework to address the digital divide, promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and maintain a secure and inclusive digital environment. A primary focus will be on improving international governance of new technologies such as AI so that they are consistent with fundamental rights and values. As digital technologies have an increasing impact on global dynamics, India must actively participate in and shape the worldwide conversation on AI governance.
Geopolitical Contestation in AI Governance
- UN Resolutions on AI – U.S. vs. China: The UN General Assembly recently adopted two significant resolutions on artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting the rising geopolitical competition between the United States and China.
- The US-led resolution, titled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI for Sustainable Development,” calls for a unified approach to AI regulation. It urges member countries to establish common ethical values, data protection safeguards, and transparency requirements. This resolution seeks to establish the United States superiority in AI technology and influence international development norms.
- In contrast, the China-led resolution, “Enhancing Cooperation on AI Capacity Building,” focusses on fair advantages from AI development, bridging the digital gap, and maintaining an open and non-discriminatory business environment. This strategy prioritises inclusion and equitable growth, establishing China as a major player in global commerce and technology norms. The contrasting focusses of these resolutions illustrate the intense geopolitical competition in digital governance.
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Reshaping AI Governance Structures
- The UN’s Role in AI Governance: With its large worldwide membership and established structures, the United Nations is emerging as the primary platform for developing global AI standards. The United Nations provides an inclusive platform for addressing difficulties, reconciling diverse national interests, and fostering international collaboration.
- India, with its active engagement in the United Nations, the G-20, and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), is well-positioned to ensure that AI governance is consistent with developmental aims, ethical norms, and the interests of the Global South.
- India’s past participation in international debates, particularly on climate change, demonstrates its importance in determining global policies. Its advocacy for the principle of justice in climate discussions, as demonstrated by its involvement in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, provides a paradigm for resolving AI governance issues. India’s experience creating coalitions, such as the Green Group and the BASIC Group, demonstrates its capacity to effectively represent developing countries’ concerns.
India’s Diplomatic Weight and Historical Legacy
- Advocacy and Leadership: India’s past leadership in Global South negotiations makes it a key player in AI governance discussions. Just as India has argued for uneven obligations in climate agreements, it must now address structural disparities in the AI field.
- There are shortages in modern computing infrastructure, high-quality data, and capital. India’s successful submission of concerns in organisations such as the G-20 and the GPAI proves its dedication to egalitarian access and fair sharing of AI advantages.
- The UN’s legitimacy, based on universal membership and established human rights principles, provides a strong platform for India to elevate the views of poor nations. India may use its diplomatic power to ensure that AI governance debates include equity, accessibility, and fairness, which reflect the different requirements of the Global South.
Addressing Global AI Challenges
- Bridging the Digital Divide: India’s advocacy for a fair and inclusive AI governance framework is crucial given the bipolar dynamics between the United States and China. Both countries are driving the AI governance discourse to achieve their strategic goals, perhaps ignoring the Global South’s particular demands.
- The vast discrepancies between industrialised and developing countries in AI breakthroughs are clear, with the latter confronting constraints such as insufficient infrastructure, Internet access, and electricity.
- India’s historical background and active participation in international forums position it well to lead efforts towards a balanced digital future. By addressing the specific issues that developing countries confront and advocating for localised solutions, India may help to improve global AI governance.
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Conclusion
India’s historical importance, geopolitical involvement, and commitment to the Global South make it critical to shaping AI governance. India can contribute to a more fair and inclusive digital future by harnessing its diplomatic weight and tackling the special issues that poor countries face.
September 4, 2024
