Germany, India seal 'AI Pact' ahead of New Delhi summit

Germany and India are set to expand cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI).

German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger and his Indian counterpart Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday sealed an "AI Pact" in New Delhi, where global leaders are convening for the AI Impact Summit.

The agreement covers initiatives in the industrial, energy, health and agricultural sectors.

It also includes a section on skilled workers, with an Indian statement stating that contact points would be set up in both countries to facilitate mobility for Indian students and skilled workers.

In a joint statement, Germany and India committed themselves to shaping AI in a responsible and secure manner and in accordance with democratic values, the German digital ministry said.

Joint projects in the areas of AI, semiconductors, digital payments and start-ups for the next two years were already agreed in January.

The "AI Pact" will deepen cooperation and breathe life into the recently concluded free trade agreement between the EU and India, said Wildberger. "This will create growth opportunities for German companies, diversify value chains and strengthen our digital sovereignty," he said.

The agreement came as world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva travelled to the Indian capital for the AI Impact Summit, which runs until Friday.

Top tech representatives such as OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and Alphabet head Sundar Pichai have also announced their participation.