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Update date: July 8, 2026 06:39 IST
geneva [Switzerland]July 8 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh on Tuesday addressed the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva and called for responsible, safe and inclusive global governance of artificial intelligence (AI).
“India strongly believes that responsible AI governance must be based on strong fundamental principles of maintaining human oversight, protecting human rights, and preventing abuse,” Singh said in a speech at the gathering.
These principles, which were also reflected in the recent India AI Impact Summit, are essential to ensure that AI systems operate across borders in an ethical, safe and beneficial manner, he said.
Highlighting India’s approach to AI, Singh said, “Our National AI Strategy and National AI Governance Guidelines embody an ‘AI for All’ philosophy that delivers inclusive growth for all without stifling innovation.”
But he stressed that developing countries need greater support to meaningfully participate in shaping global AI rules.
“For the Global South to meaningfully participate in AI governance, we must first close the clear capability gaps that exist today,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and said the United Nations is an appropriate platform to build consensus on AI governance.
“Machines do not fight over borders, ideology, or pride, but humans do. AI governance structures must reflect unity of purpose, and our department should not allow technology to overtake diplomacy,” Singh said.
Calling the global dialogue a defining moment, he said: “This global dialogue is not just a forum, it is a decisive forum. Let us use this as an opportunity to choose agreement over conflict before the choice is no longer available to us.”
He said decisions made by governments, international organizations and the private sector in the coming years will determine whether AI “becomes an enabler of equitable progress or an amplification of existing inequalities.”
Reaffirming India’s commitment, Singh said, “India remains committed to shaping a safe, secure, trustworthy and inclusive AI future.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Singh led an Indian delegation to Geneva from July 6-7 to participate in the first United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance is a universal, multi-stakeholder UN forum established under UN General Assembly Resolution 79/325 following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact as part of the Future Agreement in September 2024.
The MEA said the dialogue aims to advance international AI governance by complementing global, regional, national and multi-stakeholder efforts. It also serves as a platform for building capacity, especially in developing countries, while promoting scientific understanding, transparency, accountability, and strong human oversight of AI systems.
The Geneva conference also received the annual report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, which included discussions on the social and economic impacts of AI, bridging the AI divide, safe and trustworthy AI, and human rights in the context of AI. (Ani)
