Recent developments mark moment in India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin is the first since the Galwan Valley clash. Beyond border tensions, the focus is shifting towards collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Both nations aim to influence the future of AI, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.
Context of India-China Relations
The visit signals a possible recalibration of ties. Despite geopolitical strains, India and China share common interests in trade and technology. AI governance emerges as a key area for cooperation. Both leaders have brought into light AI’s strategic importance. This summit offers a platform to move beyond disputes and address shared technological challenges.
India’s AI Strategy and Growth
India’s AI market is growing rapidly, expected to reach $8 billion by 2025. National initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission (2024) and AI for India 2.0 (2023) promote ethical AI use and skill development. India focuses on inclusive AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and manufacturing. It advocates for equitable access and capacity-building within the Global South. Challenges include infrastructure gaps and skill shortages but India is emerging as a key player in global AI governance.
China’s AI Leadership and Governance
China aims to be a global AI leader by 2030, with a core AI industry valued at over USD 140 billion. Its governance frameworks emphasise fairness, inclusivity, and security. Initiatives like the Global AI Governance Initiative (2023) and the Shanghai Declaration (2024) promote South-South cooperation and equitable AI access. China treats AI as an international public good and sets priorities on data access and safety standards through its Global AI Governance Action Plan (2025).
Shared Goals and Potential Collaboration
India and China share a Global South perspective on AI governance. Both oppose Western-dominated AI rules and seek frameworks reflecting developing countries’ realities. Their goals include reducing the digital divide, promoting open data sharing, and supporting sustainable development. Proposed collaboration includes a Bilateral AI Task Force on ethics and safety, and co-hosting a Global South AI Forum under the UN. This partnership could reshape global AI norms.
Significance for Global AI Governance
AI governance is still evolving. India and China’s joint efforts can prevent exclusive Global North dominance. Their cooperation can encourage an AI order that is inclusive, diverse, and responsive to global needs. This strategic opportunity may determine how AI benefits humanity in the coming decades. The SCO summit thus holds wider implications beyond diplomacy, impacting technological governance worldwide.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in shaping international relations and global governance frameworks.
- Comment on the challenges and opportunities of South-South cooperation in technology governance with suitable examples from India and China.
- Explain the concept of digital divide and its impact on sustainable development. How can international partnerships address this issue?
- What are the ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development? Discuss how countries can balance innovation with regulation to ensure inclusive growth.
