Jaishankar flags AI security risks, backs approach that allows innovation, while being cautious about implications

S Jaishankar highlighted AI’s potential and security risks at a UNGA event on maritime security, stressing the need for safeguards, international cooperation and responsible innovation. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime safety.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is currently in New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on Friday (local time) co-chaired an event on 'AI in the Context of International Peace & Security, with an Emphasis on Maritime Security.'

Jaishankar, who co-chaired the event with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, noted that the development of emerging technologies must go hand in hand with safeguards to mitigate potential threats to international peace and security.

Jaishankar highlights AI's potential risks, security challenges

In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister stated that during the session, he stressed the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)'s potential while anticipating its impact and addressing the risks it may create. He added that this requires promoting innovation while also taking into account the technology's implications for security.

Jaishankar also noted that the New Delhi Declaration stresses democratic access to AI resources, building secure and trustworthy systems, investing in human capabilities, and harnessing AI for economic growth and social good.

Jaishankar highlights importance, challenges of AI in maritime domain

In terms of the maritime domain, Jaishankar highlighted that evolving technology can boost maritime domain awareness, including search and rescue, disaster response, identification of suspicious activity, and resilience of ports and critical infrastructure. He added that, at the same time, the technology can also allow "sophisticated reconnaissance, vulnerability mapping & cyber operations targeting vessels, communication networks & undersea infrastructure."

Swati Gandhi