The United States and India are poised to enhance their collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), following a significant meeting in New Delhi that took place on January 6. This gathering, attended by prominent figures including U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to solidify a strategic technology partnership between the two countries.
In a fact sheet released by the White House, it was noted that a key focus of this partnership will involve the establishment of a government-to-government framework designed to encourage reciprocal investments in AI technology. This framework will also address protections related to the development and dissemination of AI innovations, as confirmed in the fact sheet. The officials emphasized a mutual objective to advance national security applications of AI and ensure that its development is "safe, secure and trustworthy."
The discussions surrounding AI are part of a broader initiative that has seen Sullivan and Doval engage regularly to promote tangible initiatives since the inception of the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emergency Technologies (iCET) in May 2022. In addition to AI, the two nations have announced plans to collaborate in several other fields, including space technology, defence innovation, industrial cooperation, clean energy, critical minerals, and semiconductors.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister's Office released a statement confirming Modi’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the United States, highlighting advancements in the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership over the past four years, particularly in the realm of AI.
The commitment to AI development is underscored by significant investments from major tech companies, with Amazon and Microsoft leading the charge in supporting India’s artificial intelligence ambitions. Recent reports indicate that Microsoft will invest roughly $3.7 billion to establish data centres in the southern Indian state of Telangana, while Amazon aims to enhance its cloud infrastructure in India with an investment of around $12.7 billion by the end of the decade.
Moreover, the Indian IT ministry has indicated that AI tools deemed "unreliable" or untested will require governmental approval before they can be released to the public. This regulatory approach reflects a desire to ensure the responsible and guided development of AI technologies within the country.
As the collaboration between the United States and India unfolds, it is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI both within their borders and in the global technological landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services