Responsible AI & Global Governance

India's Role amid BRICS, G20, and Global South Calls

- Santanu Mishra

The global artificial intelligence governance landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last two years, evolving from fragmented principles-based frameworks toward comprehensive risk-based regulatory approaches.

This shift reflects the international community's urgent response to rapid advances in generative AI technologies, yet it has simultaneously been raised as a critical governance deficit. Among the 193 UN Member States, only seven participate meaningfully in major AI governance initiatives, while 118 countries - predominantly from the Global South - remain entirely excluded from shaping the technologies that will define their futures.

India has stepped into this governance vacuum, positioning itself as the de facto leader of Global South nations through a distinctive approach that bridges competing global visions. India's emergence as a diplomatic bridge-builder represents perhaps the most significant development in international AI diplomacy since the technology's commercial breakthrough.

India's AI governance philosophy is rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - emphasising inclusive, sustainable development for both humanity and the planet. This vision aligns with Global South philosophies like Ubuntu from Africa and Sumak Kawsay from Latin America, all advocating collective well-being over individual or state-centric dominance. This development-centric model contrasts sharply with the market-centric approach of the United States, the rights-centric framework of the European Union, and the state-centric control mechanisms of China.