At the BRICS Culture Ministers’ summit held in Brazil on Monday, India advocated for “ethical AI” that respects cultural diversity, intellectual property, and fair remuneration for creators, as well as “stronger legal frameworks” to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised the creative economy as a strategic link between culture, innovation, and commerce, which is essential for “GDP growth, employment [opportunities], and digital skills development.”
The ministerial-level dialogue, ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’, concluded with a joint declaration outlining four key cultural priorities: culture, creative economy, and artificial intelligence (AI); culture, climate change, and the post-2030 development agenda; return and safeguarding of cultural property; and BRICS cultural festivals and alliances.
"It recognises culture and creative industries as drivers of sustainable growth, calls for ethical AI integration, safeguards for traditional knowledge, and advocates increased cultural investment," the ministry said in its press release.
On the sidelines, Shekhawat held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore partnerships in the creative economy, cultural exchange, and digital innovation.
AI governance and initiatives to drive development and reduce inequalities through technological innovation are top priorities for Brazil's BRICS presidency in 2025.
According to the BRICS website, by investing in connectivity, data infrastructure, and sharing successful experiences, BRICS countries can ensure that AI serves as a tool to reduce inequalities and drive progress in strategic areas.
“The application of responsible AI principles —based on the precepts of human rights, data protection, and information integrity— is a cross-cutting theme in the technical meetings held within the BRICS framework,” the website reads.
While there has not been much progress in India’s policies towards regulatory frameworks and ethical adoption of AI, the government still seeks to position itself as the global AI leader while trying to mitigate risks and promote innovation and responsible AI across the public and private sectors.
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