At the 2025 shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, china, india, alongside other member states, committed to deepening collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The move highlights the growing strategic importance of AI in transforming societies, economies, and governance worldwide.
1. The Tianjin Declaration: A Roadmap for AI Collaboration
The Tianjin Declaration, adopted during the SCO Summit, outlined key commitments among member countries to develop AI responsibly. Building on the UN General assembly Resolution on Strengthening international Cooperation in AI Capacity Building, the declaration reaffirmed that all countries have equal rights to develop and use artificial intelligence.
The declaration also emphasizes:
Strengthening security, accountability, reliability, and transparency of AI systems
Ensuring inclusiveness, trustworthiness, and fairness of AI technologies
Encouraging cooperation to mitigate AI risks while harnessing its benefits for humanity
2. PM Modi Highlights AI’s Role and Risks
During the plenary session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the transformative potential of AI for economies and societies while cautioning against emerging risks, including cyber-terrorism. He emphasized the need for collective global efforts to establish AI governance standards that uphold shared values and trust.
India has been actively investing in AI infrastructure, with the IndiaAI Mission approved in 2024 and a budget allocation of Rs 10,300 crore over five years to strengthen AI capabilities, computing, and semiconductor infrastructure.
3. SCO’s Vision for Responsible AI
The SCO’s member countries—including india, china, Russia, and others—agreed to implement the Roadmap for the Cooperation Programme on AI Development, focusing on:
Advanced AI research and development
Collaboration on breakthrough technologies
Regional AI capacity building, including the proposed Regional Artificial Intelligence Centre in Dushanbe
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of AI alongside other sectors like energy, infrastructure, and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital economy, calling for innovation-driven cooperation among SCO members.
4. Humanoid AI in Action at Tianjin
Adding a futuristic touch to the summit, a humanoid AI robot named Xiao He assisted media personnel and attendees. With its advanced capabilities and human-like design, Xiao He drew attention and admiration, showcasing the practical potential of AI in real-world environments.
5. Strengthening AI Ties Beyond SCO
Prior to the china visit, PM Modi participated in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo, where the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative was launched. The initiative focuses on:
Collaboration on large language models
Development of AI data centres
Strengthening AI governance and research
PM Modi invited Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba to India’s AI Impact Summit in february 2026, reinforcing bilateral AI cooperation.
6. India’s Approach: “AI for All”
India continues to adopt a proactive and ethical approach to AI. PM Modi stressed:
“AI is a revolutionary technology poised to transform society and economies… Working on the mantra of 'AI for All', today we're actively using AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and governance in India.”
India’s policy focuses on enhancing human potential while mitigating AI-related risks, promoting responsible and inclusive development.
7. Global Perspective: AI as a Shared Responsibility
From BRICS outreach summits to SCO and bilateral initiatives, india consistently emphasizes responsible AI governance. The country advocates for international collaboration to maximize AI’s benefits while addressing ethical concerns, biases, and risks—a message echoed across multiple platforms by PM Modi.
8. Looking Ahead
The Tianjin Summit 2025 marks a significant step in multilateral AI cooperation, with india taking a leading role in promoting ethical, inclusive, and secure AI development. With regional partnerships and international initiatives, india is positioning itself as a responsible global player in AI innovation, driving research, governance, and applications for societal benefit.
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