In Conversation: Ambassador H.E Dinesh Patnaik on AI and Modern Diplomacy

AI's Current Role in Diplomacy

Ambassador Patnaik notes that while diplomacy remains fundamentally people-to-people, AI has become an invaluable knowledge-gathering tool that helps diplomats prepare for their interactions. A concerning development is where AI-powered social media campaigns can create artificial pressure points on diplomatic relations, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine public opinion from AI-generated sentiment.

Global Interconnectivity and AI's Impact

The discussion explores how global interconnectivity, established through telecommunications infrastructure and internet advances, has been leveraged by AI. While traditional diplomacy involved bringing together stakeholders to address global issues, today's diplomatic landscape faces additional challenges from AI-generated pressure that can distort reality through deep fakes and misinformation.

Ethical Frameworks and Governance

There are ethical concerns surrounding AI. There is a delicate balance governments must strike between implementing guardrails and fostering innovation. EU's AI Act is an example of regulation that has been watered down to avoid stifling progress. Ethics should be more advisory than regulatory, emphasizing awareness and education over strict controls.

India's Role in Shaping AI's Future

As one of the handful of important AI countries globally, India's strength lies in its young population. Investing in AI education and training helps create a knowledgeable workforce, and it’s important to foster international collaboration with value-aligned countries.

Advice for Organizations

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Patnaik offers pragmatic advice to organizations working on AI technologies. He distinguishes between those developing core technologies (requiring substantial resources) and those who can effectively build upon existing foundations to create more nimble, cost-effective solutions. He urges organizations to start integrating AI immediately, noting that AI is a learning system that improves with use, and warns that those who don't join this technological race risk being left behind.

In conclusion, this conversation with Ambassador Patnaik provides valuable insights into the diplomatic dimensions of AI development and adoption, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as nations navigate this transformative technology.

About the Speakers

Shri Dinesh K Patnaik, Ambassador of India in Spain
Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik is a veteran Indian Foreign Service diplomat with over 30 years of diverse experience who currently serves as Ambassador of India to Spain and Andorra. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in Indian missions in Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing, and Vienna, held ambassadorial posts in Cambodia and Morocco, and worked as Deputy High Commissioner of India to London. At the Ministry of External Affairs, he served as Additional Secretary for the Indian Ocean Region and CPV&OIA divisions, and later as Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Shri Patnaik holds an MBA from IIM Kolkata, a master’s in advanced international studies from the University of Vienna, and a certificate in international studies from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

Hari Ram, Finance Transformation Leader – Infosys BPM
Hari Ram, the Finance Transformation Lead at Infosys BPM, collaborates closely with CFO's organizations to drive and achieve their Finance agenda encompassing technology and business processes. As part of our exploration into AI's applications across various domains, Hari is engaging with industry leaders to grasp the implications of AI and identify crucial insights and potential considerations. Stay tuned for valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of AI and its significance. #FinanceTransformation #AI #InfosysBPM.