Interview with R. Muthukumar,
Founder – BRICS Generation
Editor – Trinity Mirror www.trinitymirror.net

Q1: At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which policy commitment stood out as the most significant? Why?

A: The most significant message was the call for a harmonised global regulatory architecture for AI. Unlike earlier summits that focussed on innovation narratives, this summit placed governance, accountability and cross-border coordination at the fulcrum. The shift from “AI expansion” to “AI responsibility” marks an institutional turning point.

Q2: The summit emphasised a unified legal framework for AI. Why is this urgent now?

A: AI systems are already operating across borders, while regulations remain nationally fragmented. Without interoperability in legal standards - on data protection, algorithmic accountability and liability - we risk regulatory arbitrage and security vulnerabilities. The urgency stems from the speed of AI deployment in finance, defence, healthcare and elections.

Q3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described AI as a “shared resource for the benefit of all humanity”. What does this mean in policy terms?

A: It suggests that AI infrastructure - including compute capacity, datasets and foundational models - should not be monopolised by a few corporations or countries. In practical terms, it implies open innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, affordable access for the Global South and collaborative research frameworks rather than technological exclusivity.

Q4: Do the benefits of AI outweigh the risks of uncontrolled development?

A: The benefits are transformative - productivity gains, medical breakthroughs, climate modelling and smarter governance. However, without enforceable safeguards, risks such as deepfakes, algorithmic bias, cyber weaponisation and labour displacement could destabilise societies. The debate is no longer innovation versus regulation; it is innovation with responsible regulation.

Q5: Has there been tangible progress in AI governance and security?

A: There has been incremental progress - ethical guidelines, voluntary safety commitments and early-stage risk classification models. However, binding international enforcement mechanisms remain weak. Real progress will require treaty-level cooperation and standard-setting bodies with compliance authority.

Q6: Are we entering a new phase of global AI competition?

A: Absolutely. AI is becoming a determinant of economic power, military capability and geopolitical influence. If leadership consolidates in one or two nations, it could reshape global trade norms, data flows and digital sovereignty. The competition is not just technological - it is systemic.

Q7: What role can BRICS nations play in shaping the global AI order?

A: BRICS countries have an opportunity to advocate for multipolar AI governance - emphasising inclusivity, affordability and digital sovereignty. By investing in indigenous AI ecosystems and coordinated policy frameworks, they can prevent technological dependency while contributing to global stability.