India Faces Decades of High Growth and 'AI for Humanity' Vision: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar predicts decades of rapid economic growth for India and a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has asserted that India is poised for decades of sustained high economic growth, driven by a unique demographic advantage and a forward-looking approach to emerging technologies.
Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting, the Minister outlined a transformative trajectory for the nation, emphasizing that India is not merely following old patterns but is carving a new path in the global order. He highlighted that while many middle powers may fluctuate in their development, India’s demographic strength provides a foundation for long-term, rapid expansion.
A New Path Beyond Traditional Industrialisation
Jaishankar suggested that the traditional models of industrialisation may no longer be the only way to achieve prosperity. Instead, he advocated for contemporary solutions that align with a rapidly shifting global landscape.
"The orthodox path will have to devise something much more contemporary for what awaits us," Jaishankar remarked. He noted that the world is becoming increasingly creative, offering new possibilities that allow nations to bypass older, rigid developmental stages.
AI for Humanity: Technology for Social Equity
A central pillar of India's future strategy, according to the Minister, is the deployment of artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing AI solely through a commercial lens, India is championing a vision of "AI for humanity."
Reflecting on the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi earlier this year, Jaishankar explained that the goal is to make technology:
- Accessible: Ensuring tools are available to all segments of society.
- Affordable: Reducing barriers to entry for widespread use.
- Relatable: Developing use cases that directly address the real-world needs of the people.
The Minister also underscored the necessity of government oversight, stating that the safety and security implications of AI are too significant to be left entirely to market forces alone.
The Rising Influence of BRICS
Turning to international diplomacy, Jaishankar addressed the growing significance of plurilateral platforms, specifically noting the evolving role of BRICS. He pointed to the recent expansion of the group as evidence of a global desire for more diverse diplomatic conversations.
"The fact that so many countries want to join BRICS... shows today that people want to have different conversations. They want to have other players in the room," he said. He noted that the group has already doubled its membership, reflecting a shift in the global mindset toward a more inclusive international architecture.
As the global order evolves, Jaishankar suggested that the challenge for such platforms will be to develop increasingly deep and comprehensive agendas to match their growing influence and membership.