Context

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved into a transformative force shaping industries, economies, and global geopolitics.
• While tech companies are modifying AI models in response, the event highlights the pressing necessity for regulatory frameworks to safeguard individuals, especially the vulnerable.
• In this context, India must recognise its critical role in global AI safety discussions, ensuring ethical AI adoption while preserving its competitive edge.

The Global Nature of AI and India’s Position

• AI operates across national borders, with data, algorithms, and innovations flowing seamlessly between regions.
• Effective governance requires a collaborative international approach, as individual nations cannot address AI-related risks in isolation.
• India, with an AI adoption rate of 30%, surpassing the global average, has emerged as a major player in the AI revolution.
• Additionally, it is the second-largest user base for ChatGPT, signifying the country’s growing reliance on AI-driven solutions.
• Despite its strong presence in AI usage, India remains absent from the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, an initiative launched in San Francisco in November 2024.
• This network builds upon the Seoul Statement of Intent, where nations committed to fostering global cooperation in AI safety.
• Given India’s substantial stake in AI’s future, its exclusion from such forums weakens its position in shaping global regulatory standards.
• To maintain its leadership, India must establish a national AI safety institute and actively participate in international discussions.

AI, Geopolitics, and the Need for Strategic Engagement

• The Rise of AI as a Geopolitical Tool
  • Leading global powers, particularly the United States and China, have identified AI as a crucial determinant of economic and military supremacy.
  • The United States, home to AI giants like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, has been imposing strict export controls on advanced AI models and semiconductor technologies, citing national security concerns.
  • While these policies are primarily targeted at restricting China’s AI advancements, they have broader implications for the global technology ecosystem.
  • India, despite being a major player in AI adoption, risks becoming collateral damage in these geopolitical manoeuvres.
  • If AI restrictions intensify, India’s access to cutting-edge AI models, cloud computing capabilities, and semiconductor supply chains could be severely impacted.
  • This would hinder India’s ability to develop homegrown AI solutions and maintain its competitiveness in critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, defence, and cybersecurity.
  • Given this evolving scenario, India cannot afford to remain a passive observer, it must actively participate in shaping AI governance frameworks that balance security concerns with the need for open collaboration.
• AI’s Role in Economic Growth and National Security
  • Beyond economic benefits, AI has significant implications for national security, particularly in areas such as defence, intelligence, and cyber warfare.
  • Advanced AI-driven surveillance systems, autonomous weaponry, and cybersecurity defence mechanisms are now integral to modern military strategies.
  • Nations that lead in AI development will have a strategic advantage in global security, influencing warfare tactics, intelligence gathering, and cyber resilience.
  • For India, ensuring robust AI capabilities is essential for strengthening national defence.
  • The country has already made strides in AI-driven defence applications, such as automated threat detection systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • However, without a strong AI governance framework and access to global AI research collaborations, India risks lagging behind in AI-driven military innovations.
• Active Engagement in International AI Safety Forums
  • Active engagement in international AI safety forums will allow India to contribute to and benefit from global discussions on AI in warfare, ensuring that ethical considerations and security safeguards are integrated into military AI applications.
  • Furthermore, AI-powered cybersecurity tools are crucial for protecting India’s digital infrastructure.
  • With the rise in cyber threats, including AI-driven hacking attempts and misinformation campaigns, India must prioritize AI-based cybersecurity innovations.
  • By aligning itself with global AI safety initiatives, India can strengthen its cybersecurity framework, mitigate risks, and collaborate on international efforts to counter AI-driven cyber threats.

The Way Forward

• Influencing Global AI Regulations: India must have a say in shaping international AI policies to ensure that regulatory frameworks consider its economic and technological priorities.
• Protecting Access to AI Technologies: By engaging in diplomatic AI negotiations, India can prevent restrictive policies from limiting its access to advanced AI tools and infrastructure.
• Enhancing Collaboration with AI Powerhouses: Active involvement in global AI safety discussions will foster partnerships with leading AI research institutions, enabling knowledge-sharing and innovation.
• Positioning India as a Responsible AI Leader: By advocating ethical AI development and ensuring AI’s alignment with human rights and democratic values, India can reinforce its position as a responsible technology power.

Conclusion

• In an era where AI is reshaping global power structures, India must recognise that AI governance is as much a diplomatic endeavour as it is a technological challenge.
• Strategic engagement with international AI bodies, proactive policy-making, and investments in domestic AI research institutions are vital steps toward securing India’s leadership in the AI-driven geopolitical landscape.
• By taking an assertive role, India can shape the future of AI in a manner that aligns with its economic ambitions, national security imperatives, and ethical considerations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the AI revolution.