The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris showcased the growing divide in global AI governance. While 61 countries, including India, backed a collective statement on AI ethics, sustainability, and cooperation, two major players ~ the United States and the United Kingdom ~ chose not to sign it. Their refusal underscores a broader geopolitical struggle over AI leadership, one that places national interests above international collaboration. Against this backdrop, India’s proactive stance in advocating for global AI standards marks an important shift in its approach to emerging technologies. At the heart of the summit was the question of how AI should be regulated.

The final communique emphasised six key principles, including inclusivity, transparency, and ethical deployment of AI. However, the US objected to language promoting international cooperation, preferring a more unilateral approach. The UK, too, cited national interests as a reason for staying out. These decisions align with the broader policy direction of major Western economies, which often resist multilateral frameworks that might constrain their technological dominance. India, on the other hand, struck a balanced position, pushing for AI governance while ensuring that innovation is not stifled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for collective global efforts to set standards that can mitigate AI risks while fostering trust. India also emphasised inclusivity, particularly for nations in the Global South, which face challenges in accessing AI infrastructure, compute power, and skilled talent.

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This approach positions India as a bridge between technologically advanced economies and emerging markets, advocating for an AI framework that benefits all. The summit also highlighted the evolving nature of global AI competition. With China’s rapid advancements in AI, particularly with cost-effective models that challenge Western dominance, the Americans framed AI regulation as a national security issue. This stance reflects concerns over data privacy, surveillance, and AI-driven disinformation campaigns. However, by rejecting multilateral commitments, the US risks deepening global AI fragmentation, leading to competing regulatory regimes instead of a cohesive international framework. For India, this moment presents a unique opportunity.

By advocating for AI governance while prioritising innovation, it can shape the global AI conversation in ways that align with its long-term technological ambitions. The decision to host the next AI Action Summit underscores India’s growing influence in this space. If it can leverage its strengths in AI research, software development, and digital infrastructure, it could become a key player in defining ethical AI standards for the world. As AI continues to evolve, the lack of a unified global approach remains a challenge. Countries are prioritising their strategic interests over collective regulation, creating risks of unchecked AI deployment. India’s push for a balanced approach ~ one that fosters trust, inclusivity, and innovation ~ could serve as a model for responsible AI governance. With its role in hosting the next summit, India now has the chance to lead this critical conversation on the global stage.