India has released its first comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework ahead of the five-day Impact Summit 2026. The initiative marks a shift from broad policy discussions to structured implementation, reflecting the country’s growing focus on responsible and inclusive use of emerging technologies.
The framework has been developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in coordination with other departments and technology experts. Instead of introducing a standalone AI law, the government has opted for a principle-based regulatory model supported by existing legislation and new oversight mechanisms.
The objective is to balance rapid innovation with safeguards against bias, misuse, lack of transparency, and ethical risks.
Background and Rationale
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, and governance. While AI offers major efficiency and productivity gains, it also raises concerns related to:
- Data privacy
- Algorithmic discrimination
- Job displacement
- Manipulation of information
- Lack of accountability
Recognising these challenges, India has chosen a flexible and adaptive governance model rather than rigid legislation. This approach allows regulation to evolve alongside technological change.
Principle-Based Governance Model
Seven Guiding “Sutras”
The framework is anchored in seven guiding principles, referred to as “sutras”, which are meant to shape AI development and deployment.
These include:
- Trust as the foundation of AI systems
- People-first and human-centric approach
- Innovation over excessive restriction
- Fairness and equity in outcomes
- Clear accountability mechanisms
- Design transparency and explainability
- Safety combined with environmental sustainability
Together, these principles aim to embed responsibility at every stage of the AI lifecycle.
Human-Centric Approach
The framework stresses that AI systems should support and augment human decision-making rather than replace it. Developers and deployers are expected to:
- Ensure algorithms are understandable
- Minimise biased or discriminatory outcomes
- Maintain audit trails
- Define responsibility structures
This approach promotes “human-in-the-loop” governance, especially in sensitive applications.
Integration with Existing Legal Framework
Use of Current Laws
A central feature of the framework is its reliance on existing statutory provisions. Authorities have clarified that many AI-related risks are already covered under:
- Information Technology rules
- Data protection laws
- Consumer protection statutes
- Criminal and cyber laws
Instead of creating a rigid new AI Act, the government will rely on periodic reviews and targeted amendments.
Adaptive Regulatory Strategy
This adaptive model enables:
- Faster policy responses
- Reduced regulatory burden
- Encouragement of innovation
- Continuous learning from global practices
It reflects India’s preference for “light-touch but effective” regulation.
New Institutional Mechanisms
To strengthen governance capacity, the framework proposes several new bodies.
National AI Governance Coordination Group
This group will:
- Coordinate between ministries
- Monitor implementation
- Review sectoral guidelines
- Ensure policy coherence
Technology and Policy Expert Committee
This committee will comprise:
- AI researchers
- Legal experts
- Industry representatives
- Social scientists
It will advise on emerging risks and regulatory updates.
AI Safety Institute
A dedicated AI Safety Institute is proposed to focus on:
- Testing and certification standards
- Safety research
- Risk assessment models
- Evaluation of high-impact systems
This institute will serve as India’s nodal body for technical oversight.
Oversight and Regulation of High-Risk AI
Risk-Based Classification
The framework introduces differentiated oversight based on risk levels. AI applications are classified broadly into:
- Low-risk systems (general automation tools)
- Medium-risk systems (decision-support tools)
- High-risk systems (affecting rights, safety, and livelihoods)
Enhanced Safeguards for High-Risk AI
High-risk systems will be subject to stricter regulation, including:
- Mandatory human supervision
- Independent audits
- Impact assessments
- Bias testing
- Continuous monitoring
Examples include AI used in credit scoring, recruitment, policing, healthcare diagnosis, and welfare delivery.
Transparency and Accountability
Developers and deployers must:
- Publish transparency reports
- Clearly label AI-generated content
- Disclose limitations
- Establish grievance redressal systems
This strengthens public trust and institutional accountability.
Link with Impact Summit 2026
The framework has been released ahead of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, which will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society.
The summit is expected to focus on:
- Ethical governance
- Global cooperation
- Capacity-building
- Responsible innovation
India aims to position itself as a leader in shaping global AI norms, particularly for developing countries.
Strategic Vision: AI for Viksit Bharat 2047
Inclusive Growth Orientation
The governance model aligns with India’s long-term development vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Officials have emphasised that AI should:
- Not remain concentrated in a few firms
- Reach rural and underserved areas
- Support MSMEs and start-ups
- Enhance public service delivery
Focus on People, Planet, and Progress
The framework reflects a triple focus:
- People: Human welfare and rights
- Planet: Energy-efficient and sustainable AI
- Progress: Economic growth and innovation
This aligns technological advancement with social and environmental responsibility.
Comparison with Global Approaches
India’s model differs from other major frameworks:
- European Union: Rule-based and legally binding AI Act
- United States: Market-driven and sectoral guidelines
- China: State-centric regulatory control
- India: Principle-based and adaptive governance
This positions India as a bridge between strict regulation and open innovation.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the framework faces certain challenges:
- Capacity constraints in enforcement agencies
- Need for skilled AI auditors
- Rapid technological evolution
- Coordination among multiple regulators
- Risk of uneven implementation
Addressing these issues will be crucial for effective governance.
Summary
India’s first comprehensive AI governance framework represents a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence. By adopting a principle-based model supported by existing laws and new institutions, the government aims to promote innovation while ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable use of AI. With special safeguards for high-risk applications and a focus on inclusive growth, the framework aligns technological advancement with national development goals. It also strengthens India’s role in shaping global AI governance norms.
Topics: India AI governance framework, artificial intelligence policy India, AI Impact Summit 2026, ethical AI India, AI regulation model, responsible AI governance
Exam-Oriented Facts
- India has adopted a principle-based AI governance model.
- No standalone AI Act has been introduced.
- The framework is guided by seven “sutras”.
- It emphasises trust, accountability, transparency, and safety.
- High-risk AI systems require enhanced safeguards.
- An AI Safety Institute is proposed.
- Existing IT and data protection laws will be used.
- The framework aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Transparency reports and grievance mechanisms are mandatory.
- It was released ahead of Impact Summit 2026.
AI Governance Framework FAQs
It is a principle-based regulatory model that guides the ethical and responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
No, India has chosen not to introduce a standalone AI Act and instead relies on existing laws with periodic updates.
They focus on trust, human-centricity, innovation, fairness, accountability, transparency, and safety with sustainability.
It will conduct safety testing, risk assessments, and develop standards for high-impact AI systems.
It promotes wide access to AI technologies, supports start-ups and MSMEs, and aligns AI deployment with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Share this Article with your friends :
Discover more from Srishti IAS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
