C Raja Mohan: AI is now a great-power game. That poses a test for India

In less than a fortnight, President Xi Jinping will convene with US President Donald Trump in Washington, USA, to inaugurate a formal bilateral dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI) and its associated risks. This move highlights the stark reality that while the BRICS nations emphasize multipolarity in AI discussions, China and the United States maintain a stronghold on cutting-edge technology.

As Trump welcomes Xi upon his arrival in Washington and extends a red carpet, both nations will grapple with trade imbalances and export controls. However, AI is poised to become a fundamental element of their engagement, representing a significant step towards managing the escalating security risks posed by AI. The upcoming US-China AI dialogue is a response to the shift from the optimistic discourse at the BRICS summit in Delhi, where Xi advocated for openness, accessibility, and diffusion of AI.

While Beijing presented itself as championing developing countries' access to AI, Washington focused on the darker side of AI, emphasizing the need to prevent accidents, miscalculations, and misuse of powerful AI models. For India, navigating this complex landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. While India seeks to leverage the US-led AI initiatives and its growing technological capabilities, it also grapples with concerns over the potential imposition of discriminatory technology controls by the US and China.

India's strategic position in the AI race hinges on its ability to bolster computing power, semiconductor production, model development, research prowess, capital investment, and human talent.