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China to Send Delegation to India's AI Summit

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ina-to-send-delegation-to-india-s-ai-summit.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 22:36 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: INDIA, CHINA

New Delhi, February 5th, 2026 - In a development signaling a potential thaw in relations, China is widely expected to send a high-level delegation to India's Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit, multiple sources confirm. This anticipated participation marks a significant shift in the often-tense geopolitical dynamic between the two Asian giants, following years of strained ties stemming from border disputes and broader strategic competition.

The prospect of Chinese participation, though details regarding the delegation's size and composition remain under negotiation, is being interpreted as a strong gesture of engagement and a commitment to normalization. This move goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesy; it indicates a willingness from Beijing to explore areas of cooperation despite lingering disagreements. GPAI, a multi-stakeholder initiative supporting responsible and human-centric AI development, provides a neutral ground for such engagement.

From Border Standoff to Potential Collaboration: A Timeline of Shifting Dynamics

The shift towards potential collaboration is a stark contrast to the situation just a few years ago. The 2020 border clashes in the Galwan Valley brought India-China relations to a low point. Subsequent military build-ups along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a freeze in high-level dialogues contributed to a climate of distrust. While border negotiations continue, albeit slowly, both sides appear to recognize the necessity of managing the relationship to avoid further escalation and unlock opportunities for mutual benefit.

Analysts point to several factors driving this change. Globally, a growing awareness of the potential - and risks - of Artificial Intelligence has created a shared interest in establishing international norms and standards. Both India and China are major players in the AI landscape, with significant investments in research, development, and deployment. Engaging in a platform like GPAI allows them to shape the global conversation around AI governance and potentially collaborate on projects of mutual interest. The escalating competition in the semiconductor industry, particularly with the US, may also be pushing China to diversify its partnerships and seek technological cooperation with other major economies, including India.

GPAI: A Strategic Venue for Dialogue The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence was launched in 2020 and brings together leading experts from governments, industry, civil society, and academia. The summit, regularly hosted by member nations, provides a forum for discussing critical issues related to responsible AI, including data privacy, ethical considerations, and the impact of AI on jobs and society. India's commitment to GPAI signals its ambition to become a leading voice in global AI governance. By welcoming Chinese participation, India is demonstrating a willingness to engage constructively with all stakeholders, even those with whom it has significant disagreements.

Implications for Regional and Global Tech Landscape The potential for India-China collaboration on AI has broader implications for the regional and global tech landscape. While the US currently leads in AI innovation, the combined technological capabilities of India and China represent a formidable force. Cooperation between the two countries could accelerate the development of new AI applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and climate change. However, concerns remain about the potential for AI to be used for surveillance and military purposes. Ensuring that AI development adheres to ethical principles and safeguards human rights will be crucial.

The Indian government, as reported, welcomes this development, viewing it as a positive step towards fostering greater understanding and cooperation. However, officials have also emphasized that any dialogue will need to be conducted on a level playing field and with respect for India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The success of this initiative will depend on both sides demonstrating a genuine commitment to building trust and finding common ground.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether this potential participation translates into meaningful collaboration. The world will be watching closely to see if India and China can leverage GPAI as a platform for bridging the gap and ushering in a new era of cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence.