AI Impact Summit: A Global Discussion on AI Governance

The AI Impact Summit in Delhi brings together world leaders and technology experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Amid this discussion, there is a notable contradiction and confusion about the optimal ways to govern AI, balancing strategic innovation with acknowledged risks.

India's Unique "Third Way" in AI Governance

• India's Position: India offers a unique "Third Way" for AI governance, distinct from the EU's compliance-focused regime, the U.S.'s laissez-faire approach, and China's centralized model.
• 2025 AI Guidelines: In November 2025, India released AI governance guidelines that focus on adoption, diffusion, diplomacy, and capacity-building rather than just regulation.
• Focus Areas: These guidelines prioritize scaling AI for inclusive development in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and public administration.
• Implementation: Amendments to the IT Rules require AI-generated content to be labeled and mandate quick takedown of harmful content, setting a precedent for government-mandated AI disclosures.

Challenges and Opportunities for Global South

• AI Investment Imbalance: The Global South faces challenges due to AI investment concentration in the Global North, leading to uneven AI diffusion and governance capabilities.
• Strategic Autonomy: India's approach emphasizes strategic autonomy, public-private partnerships, and governance tailored to local contexts to address these challenges.

Global Coordination and Governance Framework

• Coordination Needs: International coordination is crucial for effective implementation and enforcement, respecting human rights and democratic norms.
• Research Infrastructure: The framework supports shared safety evaluation frameworks, collaborative research, and pooled expertise on AI risks.
• Protection Measures: A comprehensive framework is necessary to mandate transparency, accountability, and protection for workers displaced by AI innovations.

India's Role and Future Prospects

• Inclusive Governance: The summit offers an opportunity to shape inclusive AI governance with robust public-private partnerships and equitable distribution of gains.
• Global Model Potential: India's model, if successfully integrating innovation, security, and human welfare, could become a global template for AI governance.

The world is closely watching India's decisions on AI governance, as they could determine the viability of the "Third Way" as a model for other nations.