Australia is deepening its strategic engagement with India and global technology partners, with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton travelling to India to attend the globally recognised AI Impact Summit.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment as governments worldwide seek to harness the economic potential of artificial intelligence while ensuring safeguards around safety, ethics and workforce impacts.
Dr Charlton said the summit provides a critical platform for Australia to strengthen its leadership in responsible AI development and international collaboration.
“The Summit will be an important opportunity to reinforce Australia’s reputation as a regional leader for sustainable AI infrastructure, as well as safe and inclusive AI innovation,” Dr Charlton said.
The AI Impact Summit brings together heads of government, technology CEOs, policymakers and academic leaders to shape the global direction of artificial intelligence policy, governance and investment.
During the summit, Dr Charlton will deliver a keynote address emphasising the importance of ensuring workers are not left behind as AI adoption accelerates across industries.
“I look forward to promoting Australia’s values about inclusive AI deployment, ensuring the benefits are shared by all and underpinned by a social license,” he said.
The Assistant Minister will also use the visit to promote Australia as a preferred destination for investment in advanced AI infrastructure and innovation, in line with the Albanese government’s National AI Plan.
The government has committed to establishing an Australian AI Safety Institute, aimed at strengthening Australia’s capacity to manage risks, collaborate internationally and ensure AI technologies are deployed responsibly.
Dr Charlton is also expected to hold high-level bilateral meetings with counterparts from India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, as well as major global technology firms, to strengthen partnerships and advance Australia’s strategic and economic interests.
His visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund, one of the most important scientific collaboration programs between the two countries.
“Australia and India have long shared a commitment to collaboration in business and science, and I look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of our landmark Australia-India Strategic Research Fund together,” Dr Charlton said.
The visit highlights the growing importance of Australia–India cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which is expected to play a central role in economic growth, national security and workforce transformation over the coming decades.
With global competition intensifying, Australia’s participation in the summit signals its intent to remain at the forefront of AI innovation while ensuring technology is developed in a way that reflects national values, protects workers and strengthens international partnerships.
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