News is surfacing about China’s proposition to establish a BRICS innovation base in its territory. This move aims at promoting 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation among the five member countries of BRICS, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The idea brings along numerous challenges and opportunities for these nations, especially India, given it’s recent issues with China.
China’s Appeal to Fellow BRICS Nations
China has put forth a plea to the other BRICS nations to amplify their cooperation, specifically in the 5G and AI domains. Interestingly, this could construct a quandary for India due to its ongoing disputes with China. However, other countries appear open to allowing China’s involvement in their 5G networks expansion.
Possible Consequences for India
India, on the contrary, seems disinclined to allow Chinese participation in its 5G network roll-out, especially considering the fresh regulations that restrict investments from China and ban 59 Chinese apps for national security reasons. A high-ranking committee on 5G in India is strictly against involving Chinese vendors, including Huawei, in the 5G trials. Indian intelligence authorities have expressed worries regarding potential direct or indirect connections between several Chinese companies and the Chinese military.
India’s Stance with Artificial Intelligence
In light of current events, India joined the ‘Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)’ as a founding member, to back responsible and human-focused development of AI. With tension escalating along its border with China, India has clarified that normality is off the table until peace is restored.
BRICS’ Engagement with China
Contrastingly, Russia has agreed to collaborate with China and Chinese telecommunications company Huawei on 5G. Huawei is currently under a ban by the United States, contributing to the mounting USA-China discord over technology and security. Similarly, in South Africa and Brazil, Huawei is involved in the roll-out of their 5G networks.
China’s Ambitious Goal for AI
China declared its aspiration in 2017 to become the global leader in Artificial Intelligence(AI) by 2030 through its AI Development Plan. It already holds an authoritative position in AI research, standing with the USA as a world leader.
India’s Approach towards AI and Economic Relations
Although India has taken strides in a similar direction with its National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence, it still has not fully recognized that dominance in critical technologies like AI will define future superpowers. Despite the current frictions, India cannot afford to completely cut off its economic ties with China, the world’s second-largest economy. However, initiatives like the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ could assist India in substituting Chinese technology with domestic ones.
The Trade War Dilemma for India
India is also ensnared by the current trade war between China and the USA. Although it maintains numerous trade and diplomatic relations with China, it cannot withdraw itself from trade relations with the USA. The situation calls for India to navigate cautiously, striving to maintain a balance between its strategic interests with the USA and the Russia-China axis, all the while upholding its historical Non-Aligned stance.