India Rolls Out First Comprehensive AI Governance Framework Ahead of Impact Summit 2026
Ahead of the five-day Impact Summit 2026, the Indian government has unveiled its first comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) governance guidelines. This significant initiative outlines a principle-based framework designed to address potential risks while simultaneously promoting innovation.
This move signifies India’s commitment to shaping responsible AI governance without the need for a rigid standalone law. The framework addresses critical concerns, including bias, misuse, and lack of transparency in AI systems, ensuring that the pace of technological adoption is not hindered.
Seven Guiding Principles
The guidelines stipulate how AI should be developed and deployed across various sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and governance. Rather than enforcing stringent controls, the framework is built on seven broad principles referred to as “sutras”, which will guide policymakers and industry stakeholders.
These principles include:
- Trust as the foundation
- People first
- Innovation over restraint
- Fairness and equity
- Accountability
- Understandable by design
- Safety, resilience, and sustainability
Together, these principles emphasize that AI systems must assist human decision-making, remain transparent, avoid discrimination, and operate with clear safeguards.
Reliance on Existing Legal Framework
A central element of the guidelines is their reliance on existing laws. Officials indicate that various AI-related risks are already addressed under current legal provisions, including IT rules, data protection laws, and criminal statutes. Instead of enacting a separate AI law at this time, the government has opted for periodic reviews and targeted amendments as technology advances.
The framework proposes the establishment of national-level bodies to oversee AI governance, which includes:
- An AI governance group to coordinate policy across ministries
- A technology and policy expert committee to provide specialized advice
- An AI safety institute focused on testing standards, safety research, and risk assessment
Expectations for Developers and Deployers
The guidelines delineate responsibilities for AI developers and deployers, calling for:
- Transparency reports
- Clear disclosures when AI-generated content is utilized
- Grievance redressal mechanisms for individuals impacted by AI systems
- Cooperation with regulators
Applications deemed high-risk, particularly those affecting safety, rights, or livelihoods, are expected to adhere to stricter safeguards and incorporate human oversight.
Officials assert that this approach reflects India’s belief that AI should not be confined to a limited number of firms or nations but should be widely deployed to tackle practical challenges while remaining trustworthy.
By blending innovation with safeguards, the government aims to position India not just as a major user of AI but also as a significant voice in shaping responsible and inclusive AI governance, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
