India-France AI Summit: Strengthening Strategic Ties and Shaping Global AI Governance

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 16)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

● French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing France’s role in world affairs, is set to fulfill his vision by chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 11. ● He has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to co-chair the event, recognizing India’s expanding role in AI governance and emerging technologies.

 

Analysis of the news:

India’s Recognition in AI Leadership

• The invitation underscores India’s strategic approach to AI and its growing influence in global tech policy.
• Unlike China, a dominant force in AI, France’s choice of India reflects shared values and a commitment to ethical AI development.
• The partnership builds on decades of collaboration, dating back to President Jacques Chirac’s 1998 call for a “21st-century partnership” with India.

AI Summit’s Global Cooperation and Goals

• The Paris AI Summit follows AI conferences in the UK (November 2023) and South Korea (May 2024).
• These earlier summits produced the Bletchley Park Declaration and the Seoul Declaration, both reinforcing global AI safety and governance.

The Paris Summit will focus on:

• Public Interest AI
• Future of Work
• Innovation and Culture
• Trust in AI
• Global AI Governance

It will leverage multilateral efforts, including the UN, OECD, G7, G20, and the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), ensuring AI benefits are equitably distributed, particularly in the Global South.

India’s AI Strategy and Global Advocacy

India will highlight its ₹10,371 crore IndiaAI Mission, emphasizing “Making AI in India and for India.” Key priorities include:

• Leading GPAI to shape global AI governance.
• Bridging the AI divide, ensuring accessibility for developing nations.
• Championing Global South priorities, advocating for fair AI policies.

India-France Strategic Partnership and Defence Ties

India and France share a long-standing strategic partnership, expanding from defence and security to technology, trade, and sustainability. Their defence cooperation includes:

• Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines under the “Make in India” framework.
• Co-development of next-gen fighter jet engines and DRDO’s new office in Paris.

The two nations also collaborate on space, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and innovation.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties During Modi’s Visit

• Prime Minister Modi’s visit will see the unveiling of the India-France Innovation Year 2026 logo, the inauguration of a new Indian Consulate in Marseille, and an India-France CEOs’ forum.
• The leaders will also explore Indo-Pacific development projects and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facilities, reinforcing cooperation in fusion energy.

Enduring Diplomatic Relations

• India-France ties are built on strategic autonomy and mutual respect. France has consistently supported India, including refusing to condemn India post-Pokhran II nuclear tests (1998) and engaging diplomatically during challenging global scenarios.
• Their durable partnership continues to evolve, positioning both nations as key players in AI, defence, and global governance.

India’s Growing Influence in AI Governance

● India has been an active participant in global AI discussions. ● The country played a key role in the Bletchley Park meeting, which focused on frontier AI models and safety concerns, and in the Seoul summit, which emphasised multilateral collaboration on AI risk management. ● India’s establishment of its own AI Safety Institute aligns with these global efforts, demonstrating its commitment to AI safety and governance. ●Beyond safety, India has been a strong advocate for the Global South, emphasising equitable access to AI infrastructure. ● Under its presidency of the G20 in 2023, India promoted a ‘pro-innovation regulatory/governance approach’ that sought to balance innovation with necessary safeguards. ●Similarly, at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) meeting in December 2023, India highlighted the importance of equitable access to AI research and innovation resources. ●These initiatives underscore India’s ambition to shape the global AI discourse, ensuring that developing nations are not left behind.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of India’s participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris and its implications for global AI governance, technological collaboration, and India-France strategic relations. (150 Words /10 marks)

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