AI SOVEREIGNTY DEMANDS SMART PARTNERSHIPS, NOT ISOLATION

Bloomberg's new monthly podcast series Emerging explores how rising economies shape global competition. The premiere episode, hosted by Menaka Doshi and Haslinda Amin, examines India's AI challenge as the world's most populous nation seeks to compete in artificial intelligence. The discussion centers on a critical shift in how governments view AI development. Rather than pursuing complete self-sufficiency, nations may benefit from selective partnerships that leverage complementary strengths across borders. Velamakanni argues that AI capability requires access to computing resources, talent, and data—assets unevenly distributed globally. Countries must balance domestic innovation with pragmatic collaboration to avoid technological isolation while building competitive advantage. As AI emerges as a key geopolitical flashpoint, the sovereignty debate increasingly focuses on maintaining strategic influence rather than achieving total independence. The question for policymakers is no longer whether to develop AI domestically, but how to secure critical dependencies while advancing national interests.