World leaders can examine the same issue and come to very different conclusions. India’s Prime Minister Modi believes that AI should be regulated, while Trump is favouring a free market de-regulation of the technology.
At the recent G20 global summit, India’s prime minister presented a compelling case for responsible global regulation. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has already signed off on billion dollar AI deals and considers enforcing deregulation of AI at a state level as he moves towards a full embrace of the technology.
Arguing for a regulated AI framework, Modi’s speech came at the 3rd session of the G20 summit on the subject of ‘A fair and just future for all – critical minerals, decent work, artificial intelligence.’
Modi stressed the need for some ‘core principles’ to would deal with what many already are seeing as actual and potential issues about the potential power of AI as well as its potential to be used for criminal activities.
“We must all ensure that AI is used for global good and its misuse is prevented. To do this, we must create a global compact on AI based on certain core principles, including effective human oversight, safety-by-design, transparency, and strict restrictions on the use of AI in deepfakes, crime, and terror activities.”
Modi calls for GLOBAL AI compact
“…But at the same time, we all have to ensure that AI is used for the global good and its misuse is avoided. For this, we need to create a global compact on AI that is based on some core principles.”
“AI systems that affect human life, security, or public trust must be responsible and accountable. Most importantly, AI should enhance human capabilities, but the ultimate responsibility for decision-making will always remain with humans.
“Under the India-AI Mission, we are creating accessible high-performance computing so that the benefits of AI reach every district and every language.”
“Development should be sustainable, business should be trusted, finance should be fair, and progress should bring all-inclusive prosperity.”
Modi’s more conservative approach acknowledges the existential possibility of AI getting out of control. ‘Decision making’ according to Modi, should always rest with humans.
Meanwhile, Trump has endorsed an aggressive, free-market model for AI within the U.S.
In January 2025, alongside Sam Altman & Masayoshi Son and Larry Ellison, Trump announced “largest AI infrastructure project in history.”
Project Stargate will see “the physical and virtual infrastructure to power the next generation of AI.”
Winning the AI race against China is central to this bold plan. “If the US doesn’t attract those funds, they will flow to China-backed projects—strengthening the Chinese Communist Party’s global influence, Open AI said in a statement.
Trump stated his intention to deregulate AI in order to ensure the U.S ‘dominance’ over the technology.
In November 2025, the Trump administration drafted an executive order which would prevent states from placing regulations upon AI.
“It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance through a minimally burdensome, uniform national policy framework for AI.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James said there would be “risks disastrous consequences for our communities,” following a shrink of AI-related injuries and suicide deaths as a result of chat bot use by some users.
But according to Reuters, the Trump administration has agreed to ‘halt’ the aggressive state deregulation draft order for the meantime.
Taking to Truth Social this week, Trump wrote “Investment in AI is helping to make the U.S. Economy the ‘HOTTEST’ in the World — But overregulation by the States is threatening to undermine this growth engine. Some states are even trying to embed DEI ideology into AI models, producing ‘Woke AI’ (Remember Black George Washington?).”
Former Trump supporter, Marjorie Taylor Greene has been critical of Trump’s move, she wrote on X : “States must retain the right to regulate and make laws on AI and anything else for the benefit of their state. Federalism must be preserved.”
Only time will tell as to whether regulation or de-regulation was necessary. For now, world leaders like Modi, while embracing the idea of AI as a tool, are reluctant to allow free rein of AI.Other world leaders like Trump see the technology as a means to an end: boosting the economy and beating China in the AI arms race.
