Growing Role of AI and the Need for Guardrails
Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming a transformative force across industries, governance, and everyday life. Yet with its potential comes a parallel risk— misuse, misinformation, and unintended harm. Recognizing this duality, the Indian government is set to release a dedicated AI safety framework by September 28, aimed at building trust while keeping space for innovation.
Balancing Innovation with Protection
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the framework will be non-prescriptive, serving more as a guiding document than a rigid rulebook. The design, the minister explained, is intended to strike a balance—protecting citizens from AI-driven harm while not stifling technological progress. Over time, certain sections may evolve into binding laws, particularly those linked directly to user safety.
The blueprint is the product of wide consultation, led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood, involving more than 3,000 stakeholders from industry, academia, and civil society. Such inclusiveness, officials believe, will help ensure the framework remains practical, credible, and broadly accepted.
India’s Global Leadership Push
The unveiling of the framework also lays the groundwork for the AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February 19–20, 2026, in New Delhi. To be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit is expected to bring together heads of state and global experts to work toward a consensus-driven approach to AI governance.
While it remains unclear if countries like China— which skipped earlier AI safety summits in the UK, South Korea, and France— will attend, Vaishnaw said the Ministry of External Affairs will finalize the list of invitees. India’s position is clear: global challenges like AI demand collective governance rather than fragmented national strategies.
Deepfakes and Synthetic Content in Focus
The minister also pointed to one of the most pressing threats of AI— synthetic content and deepfakes. He cited the recent circulation of a fabricated video of Prime Minister Modi and his late mother as an example of how quickly such content can cause harm. Addressing this, the framework will provide guidelines on managing AI-generated misinformation, ensuring proper safeguards, and establishing accountability mechanisms.
Building Safe, Trustworthy AI
India’s upcoming AI framework reflects a timely recognition: while AI promises enormous economic and social gains, its risks are equally profound. By opting for a flexible, consultative model that emphasizes safety without throttling innovation, India is setting the stage for a responsible AI future. If effectively implemented, it could not only safeguard citizens but also position India as a leading voice in shaping global AI governance.
(With agency inputs)
