EAM Jaishankar likens ‘AI race’ to the race for nuclear weapons

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has cautioned about the potential threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), terming it as dangerous as nuclear weapons. He said that AI, along with factors like demographics and connectivity, will change the global order.

Speaking at the third edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, organised by the Institute of Economic Growth and the Finance Ministry, Jaishankar said that AI is going to be the next big thing and countries should be prepared to deal with its after-effects. “AI is probably going to be the most profound factor in the global ecosystem. It is just as dangerous for the world as nuclear weapons were once,” he said.

The Minister reportedly also highlighted how globalisation is becoming like a weapon for the next decade and said the world should remain cautious. “Many people around the world blame it for the large number of job losses and other negative effects of the revolution. This issue will remain as long as there is change (globalisation),” he said.

Jaishankar noted that the social and political reaction to globalisation has gained momentum in the last decade, and said the realities of globalisation inevitably collide with protectionism.

The External Affairs Minister, who is known for his witty reply to even a complex issue, also talked about the functionality of the United Nations at the economic conclave. He said that in today’s era, the role of the United Nations has become only that of a spectator. “The United Nations is an old business, which is taking up a lot of space, but is not changing according to the world,” he said, drawing a comparison with the business world.

The Minister also talked about the ongoing Middle East conflict, saying the fight is taking place only for economic corridors, land and sea, but in the future, there will be fights over climate change also. The Global South is feeling the impacts of these geopolitical tensions more acutely than others, he said, raising concerns about the region’s stability.