AI Must Not Create New Divides’: Jaishankar Calls For Greater Global South Cooperation

The transformation brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) must not create new divisions across the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of Like-Minded Global South countries and Friends, Jaishankar called for greater cooperation among developing nations to tackle geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate shocks and pressures on the multilateral system.

His remarks came amid an intensifying global debate over the pace of AI development, its regulation and access to emerging technologies.

Jaishankar outlined seven priorities for Global South countries, beginning with the need to prevent the creation of “choke points” in supply chains, finance and connectivity.

“First, we must not accept or legitimise choke points, be they in supply chains, finance, or connectivity,” he said.

He said energy security was central to development and warned against the political manipulation of energy availability and prices.

“Second, energy security is at the heart of development. Availability and prices should not be manipulated for political edge,” Jaishankar said.

On food security, he called for faster action to address challenges related to the supply of essential commodities, particularly grains and fertilisers.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of fair economic and trade practices that strengthen domestic production capabilities.

“Our right to industrialise must not be denied,” he said, arguing that developing countries should not be reduced to being merely consumers.

He further called for the protection of maritime commons, adherence to international law and greater attention to the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.

On AI, Jaishankar said the technology’s rapid transformation should benefit countries across the world without creating new inequalities.

“Six, the transformation being brought about by artificial intelligence must not create new divides,” he said.

His seventh priority was greater representation of Global South countries in international decision-making structures.

“The Global South needs to be part of decision-making structures that deliberate on issues that directly pertain to our future,” Jaishankar said.