WION spotlights Global Technology Summit 2023: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Keynote and India's Tech Evolution in focus

 by Priya Jadhav 

WION announced its exclusive collaboration as the official broadcast partner for the highly anticipated Global Technology Summit 2023, organized in partnership with Carnegie India and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Scheduled to transpire from the 4th to the 6th of December at The Oberoi, New Delhi, the summit focuses on the theme 'Geopolitics of Technology,' offering a platform for in-depth discussions on the intersection of technology and global affairs. 

The summit's opening session featured a keynote address by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on the profound policy challenges posed by the dynamic landscape of technology. In his insightful speech, Minister Jaishankar emphasizes the imperative to regulate technology due to its multifaceted nature, which brings both advancements and challenges. He draws parallels with established regimes and treaties, such as those governing nuclear and missile technologies, pointing out the need for a comprehensive approach to manage the competitive aspects of technology. 

Addressing India's position in the global technological landscape, Minister Jaishankar acknowledges that the nation is playing catch-up in various areas. He reflects on the evolution of India's policy landscape over the last decade, noting a significant shift in the Modi government's approach. The centrality of technology to public policy, governance, and national security has become evident, marking a departure from the more narrowly defined economic focus of previous reform eras. 

The minister highlights key areas of emphasis for India, including the push for competitive manufacturing, the growth of a vibrant startup culture, and the state's role in spearheading critical technological initiatives, such as the semiconductor mission. He underscores the importance of building a digital public infrastructure and democratizing technology to ensure broad accessibility and participation. 

Minister Jaishankar also shed light on the role of technology in diplomacy, with a focus on discussions about reliable and resilient supply chains and India's position in critical and emerging technologies. He anticipates robust discussions at the summit on responsible AI, acknowledging the challenge of balancing competition with responsibility in the international arena.