Artificial Intelligence is no longer  the “technology of the future”. Embedded deeply in all layers of society, AI systems shape what content billions see on their feeds, determine who gets a loan or a job interview, and increasingly inform decisions in public welfare systems about who receives benefits and who does not. The accelerated speed of its deployment in systems impacting daily lives  has made  questions of its governance urgent. Given the cross border nature of these technologies, global governance is as pressing an issue as domestic regulation. However, global governance frameworks for AI remain in their formative stage — patchwork of declarations and voluntary principles yet to congeal into anything resembling a durable international order. While the rules are still being written, there is  meaningful space for academic and civil society stakeholders to influence, shape and refine them. 

India’s positioning in this conversation is unique and significant. Given social and linguistic diversity, digital divide, and low digital literacy, we have a major stake in ensuring global governance of AI reflects the interests of Global South communities, decentering Global North and major corporations. In this context, three priorities stand out which India must push for in global conversations.