Answer:

The Summit of the Future and recent UN AI resolutions provide a critical opportunity to establish global standards for AI governance, emphasising inclusion and equity. India’s participation is vital in ensuring these frameworks are aligned with the needs of the Global South, promoting fair access to AI technologies, and addressing the digital divide to promote a more inclusive digital future.

Summit of the Future and UN AI Resolutions:

• Purpose of the Summit: It aims to create a global framework for AI governance, focusing on sustainable development and bridging the digital divide to ensure inclusive growth.
  For instance: The Summit will discuss strategies for closing the digital divide, such as enhancing internet access in underserved regions.
• Global Digital Compact (GDC): The GDC is designed to build a multi-stakeholder framework that promotes equitable digital development, addresses technological disparities.
  For instance: The GDC seeks to involve diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and civil society, in the creation of equitable AI policies.
• U.S.-Led AI Resolution: The U.S.-led resolution advocates for a standardised approach to AI governance, emphasising safety, security, and ethical guidelines to create a unified global AI strategy.
  For instance: The resolution encourages countries to adopt common ethical standards for AI, ensuring responsible use of AI technologies globally.
• China-Led AI Resolution: The China-led resolution focuses on enhancing AI capacity-building in developing countries, promoting equitable benefits from AI advancements and reducing global technological gaps.
  For instance: China proposes international cooperation for AI capacity building, aiming to support developing nations in harnessing AI technology.
• Geopolitical Contestation: The contrasting AI resolutions highlight geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, each aiming to influence global AI governance to reflect their strategic interests.
  For example: These AI resolutions represent a battle for technological leadership, influencing how AI policies are shaped worldwide.

Evaluating How India Can Leverage Its Influence in Global AI Governance:

• Leveraging Historical Diplomacy: India can use its diplomatic experience from global climate negotiations to advocate for equitable AI governance that reflects the interests of developing countries.
  For instance: India’s role in climate talks under the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities principle showcases its ability to push for equitable global frameworks.
• Building Strategic Alliances: By forming coalitions with other Global South nations, India can strengthen its influence in shaping AI governance that addresses regional disparities and promotes fair access.
  For instance: India’s leadership in the BASIC Group demonstrates its capacity to form alliances for negotiating favourable terms for developing countries.
• Promoting Ethical AI Standards: Advocating for ethical AI standards that align with global human rights can position India as a leader in ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly.
  For instance: India’s Aadhaar initiative emphasises transparency and has set a precedent for ethical data use, which can inform global AI ethics discussions.
• Enhancing Technical Cooperation: India can support international efforts to build technical capacity in AI, particularly for developing countries, ensuring equitable access to AI advancements.
  For instance: India’s collaboration with countries like Israel on AI research initiatives highlights its commitment to mutual technological growth.
• Advocating for Fair AI Access: Ensuring equitable access to AI resources and technologies for all countries is crucial for balanced global development. India can lead efforts to democratise AI benefits.
  For instance: The National AI Strategy emphasises inclusive access to AI technologies, setting a model for global AI equity.

Ensuring Equitable AI Development through the Global Digital Compact (GDC):

• Inclusive Policy-Making: India can advocate for inclusive policy-making in the GDC to ensure that AI governance includes diverse voices, especially from marginalised communities.
  For example: India’s e-Governance initiatives involve community feedback, promoting inclusive decision-making processes in technology governance.
• Promoting Digital Infrastructure in Developing Countries: The GDC should prioritise building digital infrastructure in developing nations to enable equitable access to AI technologies.
  For example: The BharatNet project aims to expand internet connectivity to rural areas, a model for enhancing digital inclusion globally.
• Supporting Local AI Innovations: Encouraging local AI innovations ensures technologies are tailored to regional needs and contexts, promoting relevant and inclusive AI development.
  For instance: The Digital India Initiative supports startups focusing on local challenges, fostering an ecosystem of innovation that is inclusive.
• Strengthening International Collaboration: Strengthening international collaboration in AI research and development can facilitate knowledge sharing and equitable advancement.
  For instance: India’s partnerships with global AI leaders foster collaborative AI research, ensuring that advancements are shared widely.
• Ensuring Ethical AI Usage: By promoting ethical AI usage standards, India can ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that respect human rights and cultural diversity.
  For instance: The Responsible AI for Youth program promotes the ethical use of AI among students, aligning with international norms for responsible AI development.

India’s proactive role in shaping global AI governance can ensure that policies reflect the principles of inclusion and equity. By leveraging its diplomatic experience and advocating for the Global South, India can promote fair access to AI technologies. Future efforts should focus on building a collaborative framework that enables all nations to benefit equitably from AI advancements.

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