AI Summit Analysis: Global South’s Rising Influence and Strategic Partnerships

The Paris AI Action Summit has marked a significant shift in the global AI landscape, bringing together leaders from around the world to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Unlike previous summits in London and Seoul, this gathering witnessed a notable absence of US and UK signatures on the final communiqué, signaling an emerging “third way” approach that emphasizes strategic independence. With India serving as co-chair, the summit highlighted the increasing role of the Global South in shaping AI development and governance. The focus has clearly shifted from traditional power centers to a more inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaborative model, with new initiatives and commitments to open-source development reflecting a broader vision for innovation and shared prosperity.

The Indo-French Strategic Partnership

France’s strategic decision to invite India as co-chair of the summit underscores the growing significance of the Indo-French Strategic Partnership and their increasing alignment on digital regulation at the EU level. The relationship between these nations has deepened through numerous high-level meetings, culminating in a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding on digital cooperation. This partnership gains additional relevance as the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) came into full effect in 2024, alongside the gradual implementation of the EU AI Act. While these regulations aim to promote fair competition and protect consumers in the digital sphere, India’s parallel development of similar digital regulations, mirroring the DMA and DSA, demonstrates a growing convergence in regulatory approaches. Furthermore, India’s active pursuit of indigenous AI development through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission showcases its commitment to technological advancement.

International AI Safety and Global Collaboration

The International AI Safety Report, emerging from the Bletchley Park process, has highlighted several critical aspects of global AI development. Key findings include the existence of a significant global R&D divide, the necessity for standardized technical risk management approaches, the delicate balance between competition and AI risks, and the crucial role of early warning systems. The report also noted the rapid advancement of general-purpose AI models, despite challenging previous assumptions about resource requirements.

The Paris Summit addressed previous criticisms by significantly expanding representation from the Global South, with participation from 90 countries and nearly 1,000 attendees. This inclusive approach led to a statement signed by 60 countries, including the African Union, and the launch of Current AI – a $400 million public interest platform and incubator supported by multiple nations. The summit’s success clearly demonstrated how host commitment and resources can effectively shape global AI discussions and foster meaningful international collaboration.