India and Japan positioned to co-lead values-driven 'third path' for AI

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As global conversations on artificial intelligence (AI) intensify, senior industry figures are calling for a new model of AI development, one that is not driven solely by speed and scale, but by human values, trust, and long-term social impact.

India and Japan, they argue, are uniquely positioned to co-lead this shift.

The approach, described as a “third path” of AI, would serve as a counterbalance to dominant Western models, which often prioritise rapid deployment, market capture, and technical supremacy. Instead, this new framework would emphasise harmony, responsibility, and purpose-driven innovation.

“The future of AI won’t be won on code,” said Rohan Lobo, Partner at Deloitte India. “Trust will be the differentiator, with customers, employees, suppliers, and partners.”

Lobo advocates embedding the Japanese concept of Ikigai, a framework that blends what one loves, excels at, is needed by society, and can be monetised, into how organizations build AI. He argues this shift is no longer optional, citing high failure rates of AI models that lack trust or relevance.

“This is where Ikigai becomes essential,” he said. “It ensures technology serves a real purpose, is understandable, and earns trust—not just automation for automation’s sake.”

Shigeru Sekinada, Regional Head and Chair of APAC at Kearney, echoed this sentiment.

He described the potential of India and Japan to jointly lead a values-based AI model, combining Japan’s precision and structure with India’s digital scale and cultural diversity. “If these strengths are combined under a shared philosophy of responsible innovation, they could lead to a model of AI that is inclusive and sustainable,” Sekinada told Moneycontrol.

Both leaders pointed to the compatibility between Japan’s ikigai and India’s traditions of dharma and karma yoga, noting that this philosophical alignment creates an opportunity for meaningful technological collaboration.

“India and Japan can offer something different: a third path built on trust, inclusion, and long-term value,” said Lobo.

As regulatory frameworks tighten and public concern over AI ethics grows, the India–Japan model could become a blueprint for globally trusted AI. “Trust is no longer a soft value,” Lobo said. “It’s a strategic asset.”