India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has introduced new AI Governance Guidelines aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence.
On November 5, 2025, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) unveiled a set of new AI Governance Guidelines designed to promote a hands-off regulatory model for artificial intelligence. This updated framework marks a shift from earlier drafts that primarily focused on minimizing risks associated with AI technologies. Instead, the revised guidelines emphasize the importance of fostering innovation through balanced guardrails that do not impede the adoption of AI.
Under the leadership of Balaraman Ravindran from IIT Madras, these guidelines were developed following the establishment of a committee in July. They outline seven key principles that will guide the governance of AI: trust, people-centricity, responsible innovation, equity, accountability, understandability of large language models (LLMs), and safety, resilience, and sustainability.
This approach reflects India’s commitment to enabling widespread integration of AI across various industries while ensuring its ethical and responsible use. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY, emphasized that the guidelines aim to set a global benchmark for AI governance. The framework includes recommendations to expand access to AI infrastructure, leverage digital public infrastructure for scalability and inclusion, and enhance AI capacity through education and skill development programs.
Moreover, the guidelines advocate for agile and balanced regulatory measures tailored to address India-specific risks, while promoting transparency and accountability throughout the AI ecosystem. This comprehensive strategy aims to create an environment conducive to innovation while safeguarding public interests.
The guidelines propose a phased implementation strategy, which includes short-term goals to establish governance institutions and enhance the availability of AI safety tools. Medium-term actions focus on updating existing laws, operationalizing AI incident management for cybersecurity, and integrating AI with digital infrastructure such as Aadhaar. Long-term plans involve drafting new legislation that is responsive to the evolving capabilities and risks associated with AI technologies.
IT Secretary S. Krishnan noted that while there are currently no immediate plans for an AI-specific law, the government is prepared to take swift action should the need arise. This proactive stance underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that AI development aligns with the nation’s interests and ethical standards.
Launched in anticipation of the Delhi AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 2026, this framework aims to position India as a leading hub for responsible AI innovation. It seeks to balance growth with necessary safeguards that protect individuals and society as a whole. The holistic governance architecture includes key bodies such as the AI Governance Group, the Technology and Policy Expert Committee, and the AI Safety Institute, which will ensure a coordinated government approach for effective oversight and continuous improvement.
The introduction of these guidelines represents a significant step forward in India’s journey toward harnessing the potential of AI while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical standards and responsible practices. By establishing a clear framework for AI governance, India aims to encourage innovation while safeguarding the interests of its citizens and society.
Source: Original article