AI policy in India to prioritise impact over control of core tech: IT Secretary
The government has also positioned AI as a key enabler for productivity and inclusive growth, particularly in sectors critical to the economy.
The government is inclined to avoid introducing new laws or regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) unless “absolutely necessary”, preferring instead to rely on existing legal frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act to address emerging challenges, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said on Tuesday.
India’s approach to AI governance is evolving at a time when the technology is being rapidly adopted across sectors, prompting global debates on regulation, data protection and accountability. While several countries are exploring dedicated AI laws, India has signalled a preference for a calibrated, principles-based approach that balances innovation with safeguards.
The government has also positioned AI as a key enabler for productivity and inclusive growth, particularly in sectors critical to the economy.
Speaking at Assocham’s AI Leadership Meet, Krishnan said the government’s regulatory stance is deliberately cautious to ensure innovation is not stifled.
“As it is, we are a country with many laws… So my own inclination always is to avoid putting in a new law, a new regulation, unless you absolutely have to. Try to see what we can do with existing law,” he said.
“Our approach to regulation of AI thus far has been very, very grounded and has been very, very clear that under no circumstances do we want to get in the way of innovation,” Krishnan added.
He noted that provisions under the Intellectual Property (IP) Act and the newly notified DPDP Act already address a significant number of concerns related to AI use.
“We will look at other things” if the need for regulation arises, he said, adding that “our emphasis will be much more on enabling pieces of regulation which would allow AI to develop”. However, he cautioned that the government would intervene if the technology caused harm.
Outlining India’s broader AI strategy, Krishnan said the country is not focused on competing for global dominance in computing power or core technologies, but on the real-world impact AI can deliver.
He identified agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and finance as key sectors where AI can function as an assistive tool to enhance human capabilities, a productivity shift he said is critical for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
On concerns around job displacement, Krishnan acknowledged that some roles may disappear, but new opportunities would emerge. He added that India has an advantage in translating AI from theory into application.
“Our human resources also seem to be better spaced and in a better position to handle the AI transition than in many other countries,” he said.
The AI Leadership Meet served as an official pre-summit event for the AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 19–20, 2026.
(With inputs from PTI)