External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for greater cooperation among Global South countries, saying the rapid transformation brought by artificial intelligence must not create new divisions between nations.
Jaishankar made the remarks while chairing a high-level meeting of like-minded Global South countries and their partners on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Addressing the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted a range of challenges facing developing countries, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate-related shocks and pressure on the multilateral system. He stressed the need for countries of the Global South to work together on issues directly affecting their development and security.
On artificial intelligence, Jaishankar said the technological transformation should not widen existing inequalities or create new divides between countries. He also argued that Global South countries should have a meaningful role in international decision-making on issues that will shape their future.
His comments come amid growing international discussions over the rapid development of advanced AI systems and the need for appropriate safeguards. The UN's recent discussions have included concerns about the risks associated with increasingly capable AI models and calls for stronger international cooperation on safety standards.
Jaishankar also outlined several other priorities for Global South countries. He said countries should not accept strategic “choke points” involving supply chains, finance or connectivity. He emphasised energy security, arguing that the availability and price of energy should not be manipulated for political advantage.
Food security was another key issue. Jaishankar called for greater attention to the availability of grains and fertilisers, particularly as countries face disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and other global challenges.
He also stressed the importance of fair economic and trade practices that allow developing countries to strengthen their own production capabilities. According to him, the right of developing countries to industrialise should not be restricted.
Maritime security also featured in his remarks. Jaishankar called for the protection of international waters, adherence to international law and greater safety for seafarers and commercial shipping.
India has increasingly highlighted the importance of cooperation among developing countries through initiatives involving the Global South. The Ministry of External Affairs' diplomatic training programmes also place emphasis on areas such as AI, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure and responsible technology use.
The discussion comes as governments around the world debate how advanced AI should be developed and regulated. The challenge is not limited to technological safety but also involves questions of access, economic opportunity, governance and representation.
Jaishankar's remarks therefore placed AI within a broader development and geopolitical framework, arguing that countries of the Global South should have a voice in shaping the rules and institutions that will govern technologies with long-term global consequences.
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