The Eurasia Review analysis uses the metaphor of the Brahmastra, a powerful weapon from the Indian epic Mahabharata, to frame Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) as a transformative yet potentially perilous technology. Just as the Brahmastra in the epic was capable of unimaginable destruction if wielded without wisdom and restraint, AGI is described as a future technology that could surpass human intelligence and fundamentally alter economic, military, and social systems. The article points out that AGI’s development is becoming increasingly inevitable, with AI already outperforming humans in complex scientific tasks and reshaping industries, raising both optimism and deep concern about its trajectory.
The central dilemma, the analysis says, stems from AGI’s autonomy and unpredictability. Unlike current AI tools, which largely augment human tasks, future AGI could learn independently, self-improve, and make decisions without direct human control, potentially leading it to prioritise goals that diverge from human values. This scenario echoes broader existential risk discussions — where unaligned AGI might operate according to its own self-preservation logic or strategic objectives, creating outcomes that are unintended and dangerous for humanity.
To address this, the analysis draws on lessons from the Mahabharata about ethical guidance, accountability, and governance. It emphasises that powerful technologies — whether ancient weapons or AGI — must be governed with clear principles, oversight, and responsibility. The article points to frameworks such as India’s M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI, which includes ethical guidelines, accountable governance, national data sovereignty, inclusion, and legitimacy, as a model for integrating ethical safeguards into AGI development.
Finally, the piece argues that international collaboration and structured oversight will be crucial to ensuring AGI benefits society rather than creating catastrophic risks. It suggests establishing a global task force analogous to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to develop common standards, monitor implementation, and provide expert guidance on AGI safety and governance. India, with its strategic positioning and diverse technological ecosystem, is presented as a potential leader in these multilateral efforts — helping shape a future where AGI is harnessed responsibly for the global common good.
