On India’s nuclear history lessons for AI development – Why India cannot afford to repeat its nuclear weapons mistakes with AI

Source: The post on India’s nuclear history can guide its AI development has been created based on the article “Why India cannot afford to repeat its nuclear weapons mistakes with AI” published in “Indian Express” on 6th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science and Technology- Developing new technology.

News: This article discusses how lessons from India’s nuclear history can guide its approach to artificial intelligence (AI). It compares the nuclear era’s challenges to those posed by AI today. It emphasized the need for international regulation, collaboration with the US, and strong domestic AI capabilities without falling into exceptionalism or delayed action. Notably, India is set to take a leading role as the Lead Council Chair for the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and will host the prominent GPAI Summit in New Delhi from December 12 to 14, 2023.

What is the current global situation in AI?

Military AI Development and Arms Control: The US and China are not only rapidly advancing in military AI but also engaging in arms control discussions. For instance, the recent San Francisco summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping focused on regulating military AI.

International Norms Discussion: There are talks about forming an “International Agency for Artificial Intelligence” (IAAI), inspired by the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear energy, to manage AI’s global impact.

Global Partnerships for AI: The Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) is a notable initiative with 28 member countries and the EU, demonstrating international collaboration in AI.

Technological Restrictions: Reflecting the geopolitical AI race, the US is attempting to slow China’s AI development by restricting its access to advanced chip technology.

How are nuclear and AI challenges similar?

Geopolitical Impact: Nuclear technology and AI both have major effects on global politics, influencing geopolitical rivalries and international relations.

Destructive Potential: Nuclear weapons showed immense destructive power in Hiroshima and Nagasaki; similarly, AI poses risks like machines overpowering humans, threatening humanity.

Military Use and Governance: Both nuclear technology and AI have raised concerns about their military applications, necessitating international governance and regulation.

Great Powers’ Dominance: Just as the US and Soviet Union led the discourse on nuclear weapons, the US and China are central to AI discussions, shaping global policies.

Rapid Technological Advancement: Despite concerns about their impact, both nuclear and AI technologies have seen rapid advancements, outpacing efforts for effective control and regulation.

What steps should India take in AI development?

Moving beyond disarmament idealism: India should shift from its nuclear disarmament approach to a proactive stance in AI. This change is vital, as previous idealism in nuclear policy delayed technological progress.

Strengthening partnership and technological cooperation: To advance in AI, India must build on its partnership with the US. An example of a missed opportunity in the past was when India did not accept President Kennedy’s offer in the 1960s to assist in developing nuclear weapons. This decision, aimed at maintaining good relations with China and non-alignment, led to a delay in India’s nuclear advancement.

Avoiding the trap of exceptionalism: India needs to adopt global science and technology standards in AI, rather than seeking a unique technological path. Building strong domestic AI capabilities and involving the private sector are key steps for success in this rapidly advancing field.

Terminology used

Global partnership on artificial intelligence (GPAI): It is a multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together leading experts from science, industry, civil society, international organizations, and government that share similar values. Its aim is to connect theoretical aspects with practical applications in AI by promoting advanced research and applied projects focused on AI-related priorities. GPAI is a congregation of 28 Member Countries and the European Union. India had joined the group as a founding member in 2020.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India’s experience with nuclear technology can inform its approach to artificial intelligence development and policy.