US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti is urging India and the US to engage in deeper conversations about shaping a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI). Garcetti believes that this collaboration could be an exemplification of the “multiplicative relationship” between the two democracies. During a session organized by the Observer Research Foundation, Garcetti emphasized the need to stay ahead of AI to avoid potential catastrophic consequences. He stated, “If we don’t get in front of AI, the consequences, even if it is a small percentage of likelihood, of something catastrophic happening with our official intelligence could be sooner than we believe.”
Although Garcetti acknowledged that there have been extensive discussions on the topic between the two countries, there hasn’t been a formal proposal from either side yet. However, he mentioned that US President Joe Biden has already addressed the issue strongly. Last month, Biden issued an executive order mandating AI manufacturers to provide the federal government with assessments of their applications' vulnerability to cyberattacks, the data used for training and testing the AI, and its performance measurements.
At the recent India-US 2+2 dialogue, Garcetti highlighted the important steps taken by both sides to bolster their major defense partnership, including initiatives such as the US-India roadmap in industrial cooperation and defense. He emphasized that apart from focusing on weapons sales and co-development, the operational level of their militaries is equally critical.
Garcetti further expressed his belief that countries should discuss ways to deepen their science and technology partnerships, harnessing technology for the greater good instead of allowing it to create divisions. He stated, “we [should] sometimes just focus on weapons and what is being sold, or co-developed, but the operational level of our militaries… is as critical as any equipment.”
With his remarks, Garcetti is encouraging India and the US to recognize the significance of regulating AI and to forge closer ties in emerging domains. By engaging in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, the two countries can navigate the potential challenges and ensure that AI is harnessed for the benefit of humanity.
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