The Crossbill Team
The Paris Artificial Intelligence Action Summit exposed a deep divide in global AI governance, as the United States and the United Kingdom refused to endorse the final communique, signalling a lack of consensus on international AI policies.
However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who co-hosted the summit, stressed the need for governance frameworks and standards to mitigate risks while fostering shared values in the evolving AI landscape.
On February 11, both the US and the UK declined to sign the “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,” a declaration backed by 61 countries, including China, France, and India.
The British Prime Minister’s office justified its decision, stating that the UK “had not been able to add its name to it because of concerns about national security and ‘global governance.’"
Key Priorities and US Objections
The leaders’ statement identified six key priorities, including bridging the digital divide, ensuring AI systems are ethical and transparent, and promoting sustainability.
It also emphasized strengthening international cooperation to coordinate global AI governance. However, the US, opposed language that underscored multilateralism and international collaboration.
US Vice President J.D. Vance, in his first major international appearance under the Trump administration, reinforced a unilateral approach, declaring, “To safeguard America's advantage, the Trump administration will ensure that the most powerful AI systems are built in the US with American-designed and -manufactured chips.”
He warned against “excessive regulation,” arguing it could stifle an industry on the brink of transformation.
Vance also insisted that AI must remain “free from ideological bias” and should not become a tool for authoritarian control.
India Advocates for Inclusive AI Development
In contrast, Prime Minister Modi in his speech emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to establish AI governance that not only mitigates risks but also fosters innovation for the greater good.
“Governance was not just about managing risks but also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good,” he said.
He called for inclusivity, particularly for the Global South, where AI development is hindered by limited access to computing power, skilled talent, data, and financial resources.
On India and France partnership through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, PM said, “It was only natural that the two countries were joining hands to forge an innovation partnership for a smart and responsible future.”
European and US Stances on AI Regulation
French President Emmanuel Macron, who chaired the summit, sought a middle ground by advocating streamlined European regulations while supporting international governance.
“It’s not a question of defiance or thwarting innovation—it’s about enabling it on a global scale while avoiding fragmentation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance’s speech took a confrontational tone, indirectly targeting China. Warning against partnerships with authoritarian regimes in AI development, he argued that some countries exploit AI for military intelligence, mass surveillance, and disinformation campaigns.
Without naming China directly, he drew a parallel to past security concerns over CCTV and 5G technology, cautioning that collaboration with certain nations could lead to infiltration of critical infrastructure.
India to Host Next AI Summit
Despite the disagreements, India is set to host the fourth AI Action Summit later this year, a move seen as a step towards balancing global AI governance.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, confirmed the news at a media briefing later in Paris.
“The time is right for India to host, as the Prime Minister offered, and the offer was accepted that the next AI Summit would be hosted in India later this year,” Krishnan stated.
However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who co-hosted the summit, stressed the need for governance frameworks and standards to mitigate risks while fostering shared values in the evolving AI landscape.
On February 11, both the US and the UK declined to sign the “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,” a declaration backed by 61 countries, including China, France, and India.
The British Prime Minister’s office justified its decision, stating that the UK “had not been able to add its name to it because of concerns about national security and ‘global governance.’"
Key Priorities and US Objections
The leaders’ statement identified six key priorities, including bridging the digital divide, ensuring AI systems are ethical and transparent, and promoting sustainability.
It also emphasized strengthening international cooperation to coordinate global AI governance. However, the US, opposed language that underscored multilateralism and international collaboration.
US Vice President J.D. Vance, in his first major international appearance under the Trump administration, reinforced a unilateral approach, declaring, “To safeguard America's advantage, the Trump administration will ensure that the most powerful AI systems are built in the US with American-designed and -manufactured chips.”
He warned against “excessive regulation,” arguing it could stifle an industry on the brink of transformation.
Vance also insisted that AI must remain “free from ideological bias” and should not become a tool for authoritarian control.
India Advocates for Inclusive AI Development
In contrast, Prime Minister Modi in his speech emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to establish AI governance that not only mitigates risks but also fosters innovation for the greater good.
“Governance was not just about managing risks but also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good,” he said.
He called for inclusivity, particularly for the Global South, where AI development is hindered by limited access to computing power, skilled talent, data, and financial resources.
On India and France partnership through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, PM said, “It was only natural that the two countries were joining hands to forge an innovation partnership for a smart and responsible future.”
European and US Stances on AI Regulation
French President Emmanuel Macron, who chaired the summit, sought a middle ground by advocating streamlined European regulations while supporting international governance.
“It’s not a question of defiance or thwarting innovation—it’s about enabling it on a global scale while avoiding fragmentation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance’s speech took a confrontational tone, indirectly targeting China. Warning against partnerships with authoritarian regimes in AI development, he argued that some countries exploit AI for military intelligence, mass surveillance, and disinformation campaigns.
Without naming China directly, he drew a parallel to past security concerns over CCTV and 5G technology, cautioning that collaboration with certain nations could lead to infiltration of critical infrastructure.
India to Host Next AI Summit
Despite the disagreements, India is set to host the fourth AI Action Summit later this year, a move seen as a step towards balancing global AI governance.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, confirmed the news at a media briefing later in Paris.
“The time is right for India to host, as the Prime Minister offered, and the offer was accepted that the next AI Summit would be hosted in India later this year,” Krishnan stated.
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