WorldPosted at: Sep 26 2026 2:36PM


AI must be harnessed with safeguards: Jaishankar flags maritime security risks, welcomes India-GCC FTA talks

New York, Sept 26 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned that artificial intelligence could transform maritime security while also creating new risks, including sophisticated reconnaissance, vulnerability mapping and cyber operations targeting ships, communications networks and undersea infrastructure, as India pushed for stronger international safeguards at the United Nations.
Co-chairing a UN General Assembly event with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on “AI in the Context of International Peace & Security, with an Emphasis on Maritime Security”, Jaishankar said countries must balance technological innovation with security considerations.
“Emphasised the need to harness the possibilities offered by AI, anticipate its consequences and mitigate its risks. This calls for an approach that enables innovation while remaining conscious of its security implications,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
He said the New Delhi Declaration calls for democratic access to AI resources, the creation of secure and trustworthy systems, investment in human capabilities and the use of AI for economic growth and social good.
Jaishankar outlined a broad range of potential applications for AI in the maritime sector, including monitoring waters, search and rescue, disaster response, detecting suspicious activity and strengthening the resilience of ports and other critical infrastructure.
“AI can enhance maritime domain awareness, search & rescue, disaster response, identification of suspicious activity and resilience of ports & critical infrastructure,” he said.
But he also warned that the same technology could be used against maritime infrastructure and vessels.
“At the same time, it can enable sophisticated reconnaissance, vulnerability mapping & cyber operations targeting vessels, communication networks & undersea infrastructure,” he said.
Jaishankar said the growing autonomy of maritime systems could further complicate questions of responsibility and escalation by reducing the time available for human decision-making.
“Increasing autonomy in maritime systems raises questions of attribution, accountability & escalation, while also compressing decision-making time,” he said.
He stressed that technological advances must remain subject to established international rules.
“In the maritime domain, the UN Charter & international law, including the law of the sea, remain essential frameworks governing State conduct,” Jaishankar said.
He called for greater transparency, confidence-building measures, capacity development, technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices to ensure AI is developed and deployed consistently with those principles.
“AI and maritime security remain important priorities for India at the United Nations,” he said.
The discussions on maritime security have intensified in recent days following the Iran war, as it has emerged as a growing concern for India, with commercial vessels and seafarers facing attacks and disruptions across major waterways.
Focusing on the economic front, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly.
The meeting reviewed progress under the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024–28 and discussed ways to deepen cooperation between India and the six-member Gulf bloc.
“Glad to co-chair the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the margins of #UNGA81. Reviewed the progress of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024–28 and discussed ways to further advance our partnership,” Jaishankar said.
He also welcomed the launch of negotiations for an India-GCC Free Trade Agreement, signalling an effort to expand the economic relationship beyond existing trade and investment ties.
“Welcomed the launch of India-GCC FTA negotiations. Look forward to strengthening ties in the areas of trade, investment, energy, food security, health, new technologies, culture and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Jaishankar thanked GCC leaders for their support to the Indian community and reiterated India's commitment to secure maritime trade routes.
“Reiterated our strong commitment to freedom of navigation and safety of seafarers & commercial shipping,” he said.
The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. India has extensive economic and strategic ties with the Gulf region, particularly in trade, energy, investment and the movement of Indian workers and professionals.
Another major development on the sidelines of UNGA81, Jaishankar signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, describing it as a step towards stronger international cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
“Signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime today on the sidelines of #UNGA81. This Convention strengthens international cooperation for a safer digital future,” Jaishankar said.
The move comes amid growing international efforts to improve cooperation on cybercrime, including the handling of electronic evidence and coordination against crimes carried out through digital networks.
Keeping up the diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, Jaishankar held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with the two sides reviewing key developments in bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS framework.
“A good meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia today #UNGA81. Exchanged views on a number of ongoing issues. Also took stock of our bilateral and BRICS cooperation,” Jaishankar said.
Russia's Foreign Ministry separately confirmed the meeting between Lavrov and Jaishankar on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st UN General Assembly.
Jaishankar's engagements in New York span technology, maritime security, trade, cybercrime and strategic partnerships, as India uses the UNGA platform to push for greater cooperation on emerging security challenges while advancing its economic and diplomatic ties with key partners.UNI AAB
Tags: #AI must be harnessed with safeguards: Jaishankar flags maritime security risks# welcomes India-GCC FTA talks
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