TLDR: India is considering a measured approach to China’s proposal for a global Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation organization, opting for dialogue rather than immediate formal membership. This development coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where AI governance will be a key discussion point with President Xi Jinping. Both nations have previously aligned on principles of inclusive and sustainable AI use, as demonstrated by their joint signing of an international AI agreement in Paris earlier this year. China’s initiative, the World Internet Conference Organization (WICO), aims to foster open-source AI development and address global chip shortages, positioning itself as an alternative to US-led AI policymaking.
India is carefully evaluating its engagement with China regarding a proposed global organization for Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and governance. While a cautious stance is being adopted, India is open to participating in dialogues on the matter, even if it refrains from immediate formal membership in the new body. This strategic consideration comes as global AI governance is slated for discussion during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit later this week, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Officials indicate that India’s response will be calibrated, emphasizing a consistent push for greater international collaboration to manage AI risks and promote innovation. The objective is to foster sustainable and equitable AI development through the adoption of common standards. Engaging in dialogue on AI, regardless of the forum, is seen as crucial for advancing these goals.
Both India and China have publicly expressed similar philosophies on AI development. This alignment was evident in February 2025, when both countries were among 58 nations to sign the inaugural international agreement on inclusive and sustainable AI use at the AI Action Summit in Paris. This declaration underscored principles such as human-centric development, bridging digital divides, and ensuring transparent and trustworthy AI. Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom were not signatories to this agreement.
China’s initiative, the World Internet Conference Organization (WICO), was launched in July 2025 during its largest AI conference. WICO’s stated goals include actively promoting open-source AI development, facilitating technology sharing, and collaboratively addressing the escalating global shortage of semiconductor chips. This move by China is perceived as an effort to establish WICO as an alternative to the United States in shaping global AI policymaking.
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Prime Minister Modi, in his departure statement for his visit to Japan and China, highlighted India’s commitment to advancing cooperation in new and emerging technologies, specifically mentioning AI and Semiconductors. This collaboration on frontier technology between India and China gains significance amidst ongoing bilateral tensions between India and the US, particularly concerning tariffs. China’s broader proposal for a global AI cooperation organization is part of its strategy to shape the future of AI governance, promoting a multipolar trajectory and addressing the ‘AI divide’ between advanced and developing economies.
