New Delhi: In a landmark move to ensure that the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is harnessed safely and responsibly, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on Wednesday, unveiled the India AI Governance Guidelines under the IndiaAI Mission. The framework aims to create a trusted, inclusive, and innovation-friendly AI ecosystem that safeguards citizens and encourages ethical technology development across sectors.
The guidelines were unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in the presence of S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY; Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, CEO IndiaAI Mission, DG NIC; Ms. Kavita Bhatia, Scientist ‘G’ & GC, MeitY & COO IndiaAI Mission; and Prof. B. Ravindran from IIT Madras. Senior officials including Dr. Preeti Banzal and Dr. Parvinder Maini from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser also attended the event.
The launch marks a significant milestone ahead of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, as India strengthens its leadership in responsible and inclusive AI governance.
A Blueprint for Ethical AI
The India AI Governance Guidelines lay down a comprehensive framework to ensure AI serves humanity responsibly, while promoting innovation and mitigating associated risks. The document sets out a practical structure for developers, industry, and regulators, featuring:
- Seven guiding principles (Sutras) for ethical AI development and deployment.
2. Key recommendations built around six pillars of AI governance.
3. An action plan outlining short, medium, and long-term implementation goals.
4. Practical guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems.
The framework aligns with India’s larger digital vision—“AI for All”—and seeks to make AI accessible, safe, and beneficial for every section of society.
“Do No Harm” – The Ethical Core of India’s AI Framework
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood underlined that the cornerstone of the framework is the guiding principle of “Do No Harm.”
He said, “We are building an AI governance system that promotes innovation while being cautious of risks. The idea is to create innovation sandboxes—safe spaces for experimentation—within a flexible and adaptive regulatory environment. India’s approach will not only shape its own AI ecosystem but also inspire nations across the Global South.”
Human-Centric, Responsible, and Adaptive Governance
Emphasising the Government’s commitment to people-first technology, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, noted, “Our focus remains on using existing legislation wherever possible and ensuring that AI development stays human-centric. The aim is for AI to enhance quality of life while addressing potential harms responsibly.”
He added that the government’s approach blends innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, ensuring that technological progress benefits all sections of society without compromising on ethics and safety.
Collaborative Effort and Inclusive Process
The guidelines were drafted after extensive public and sectoral consultations. The committee—chaired by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran from IIT Madras—comprises leading policymakers, researchers, and industry experts including Abhishek Singh, Ms. Debjani Ghosh (NITI Aayog), Dr. Kalika Bali (Microsoft Research India), Mr. Rahul Matthan (Trilegal), Mr. Sharad Sharma (iSPIRT Foundation), Ms. Kavita Bhatia, and others.
Abhishek Singh, CEO of IndiaAI Mission, highlighted the extensive deliberations behind the document. “We received strong engagement from across sectors during the public consultation phase. These insights were invaluable in refining the final framework,” he said. “As AI continues to evolve rapidly, our goal remains to make it accessible, affordable, and inclusive—building a safe, trustworthy ecosystem that fuels innovation and strengthens India’s AI economy.”
The framework, now publicly available at indiaai.gov.in, is envisioned as a reference document for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers working to ensure responsible AI governance globally.
Innovation Recognised: IndiaAI Hackathon Winners Announced
The event also celebrated the winners of the IndiaAI Hackathon for Mineral Targeting, an initiative organised under the Applications Development Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines.
The hackathon aimed to leverage AI and machine learning for data-driven exploration, integrating geological, geophysical, and remote-sensing data to identify potential mineral zones.
| Prize | Team/Project | Details |
| First Prize – ₹10 lakh | CricSM AI | AI-based critical and strategic mineral mapping by Prof. Partha Pratim Mandal, Dinesh Munda, Litan Dutta, Tanmay Singh, Sai Satyam Jena, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Shukla |
| Second Prize – ₹7 lakh | Knowledge and Data-Driven Mineral Targeting Approach | Team of Soumya Mitra, Saptarshi Mallick, Kshounish Patra, and Santu Biswas |
| Third Prize – ₹5 lakh | SUVARN (Semi-Unsupervised Value-adaptive Artificial Resource Network) | Developed by Sayantani Bhattacharya, Dr. Sabyasachi Nag, Arun A, and Yavthish Kannaa G S |
| Special Prize – ₹5 lakh | AI & ML solution for new exploration zones | Proposed by Deepa Kumari, Anamika Choudhary, and Sandhya Jagannathan; focused on identifying new areas for REE, Ni-PGE, copper, and other key minerals |
These projects demonstrated how AI can be harnessed to transform critical mineral exploration, a key enabler for sustainable resource management and industrial growth.
Towards a Responsible AI Future
The launch of the India AI Governance Guidelines represents a pivotal moment in India’s digital journey—one that balances innovation with responsibility. By embedding ethics and accountability at its core, India is setting a global benchmark for responsible AI development.
The event concluded with an announcement that the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held on 19–20 February 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and researchers. The summit will explore how AI can drive progress for People, Planet, and Prosperity, reinforcing India’s position as a thought leader in the global AI landscape.
As the world grapples with both the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, India’s proactive stance—built on inclusion, transparency, and ethical integrity—signals a clear message: the future of AI must be responsible, human-centred, and universally beneficial.