Date : 7/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology

Keywords: GPAI Summit, Nuclear Age, Ethical Considerations, IAAI

Context-

• The convergence of geopolitics and technological progress has once again taken center stage, with discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) drawing parallels to the nuclear age.
• India is set to host the GPAI summit in New Delhi between December 12 and 14, 2023. Amidst global efforts to comprehend and regulate AI, India finds itself at a critical juncture, drawing insights from its intricate nuclear history.
• While nuclear and AI technologies differ, the challenges related to governance, geopolitical rivalry, and ethical considerations share commonalities. As major powers such as the United States and China engage in AI competition, India is compelled to glean lessons from past mistakes and strategically position itself in the evolving landscape of AI technologies

Lessons from the Nuclear Age

• While nuclear technology and artificial intelligence (AI) differ significantly, they share certain similarities.
• The unveiling of the nuclear revolution occurred with the deployment of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, revealing immense destructive power and prompting global leaders and scientists to contemplate strategies for mitigating threats to humanity's survival in the nuclear era.
• In a parallel manner, the AI revolution poses a potentially greater catastrophe— the prospect of machines surpassing human control and subjugating them.
• Unlike nuclear technology, which fell short of its economic potential by not delivering "electricity too cheap to meter," AI holds the promise of fundamentally transforming the economy, society, and governance on a broader scale.

Geopolitical Dynamics of AI

• As in the nuclear era, AI's rapid advancement sparks discussions on arms control agreements and international norms. The United States and China, analogous to the Cold War superpowers, dominate the discourse on AI.
• Recent agreements between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlight the urgency of regulating military AI. However, despite efforts to manage competition, both nations actively pursue AI development, mirroring the Cold War arms race.
• Efforts to regulate AI extend beyond bilateral agreements, with proposals for an "International Agency for Artificial Intelligence" (IAAI) reminiscent of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) established in 1957 for nuclear energy regulation.
• While the creation of an IAAI may be a distant prospect, the United States focuses on building alliances through initiatives like the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), emphasizing collaboration and military deterrence.

India's Strategic Positioning

• As India hosts the GPAI summit, it must draw crucial lessons from its nuclear history to navigate the complexities of AI.
• Firstly, the era of disarmament idealism that hindered clear thinking on nuclear weapons is behind us, providing an opportunity for India to approach AI with strategic clarity. The luxury of procrastination, present in the nuclear domain, is absent in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
• Secondly, building on the momentum of partnerships, particularly with the United States, is vital for India's AI aspirations. Historical instances, such as President John F. Kennedy's offer to assist India in building a nuclear weapon, underscore the importance of leveraging alliances for technological advancement. While past hesitations have hindered progress, the current government's emphasis on cooperation signals a positive shift that requires swift policy implementation.
• Thirdly, India must avoid the temptation of proclaiming exceptionalism and pursuing a "third way" in technological development. The lessons from the 1970s, where political posturing set India back significantly, underscore the need for a pragmatic approach. Acknowledging the universality of science and technology, India should focus on building robust domestic capabilities in AI, with a pivotal role for the private sector.

Domestic Imperatives and Global Collaboration

• To enhance its position in the global AI hierarchy, India needs a multifaceted approach. Strengthening domestic capabilities is paramount, necessitating active involvement from the private sector.
• Unlike the government-led technological advancements of the past, the contemporary AI landscape sees the private sector spearheading research, development, and innovation in the West.
• The recent initiatives by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to open up Science and Technology (S&T) sectors are commendable but represent only a preliminary step.
• The urgency to reform India's technology sector is evident, requiring comprehensive policies that align with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. International cooperation, especially with the United States and like-minded nations, should be pursued vigorously to capitalize on collective expertise and resources.

Conclusion

As India stands at the crossroads of AI development, the lessons from its nuclear history provide a valuable guide. Strategic clarity, collaborative partnerships, and a pragmatic approach are imperative to navigate the geopolitical complexities of AI. The urgency to build strong domestic capabilities, involving the private sector, cannot be overstated. By learning from past mistakes and embracing a forward-looking strategy, India has the opportunity to position itself as a key player in the global AI landscape, contributing to the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence.

Source- The Indian Express