MeitY Unveils AI Governance Guidelines Under IndiaAI Mission

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced the Indian AI Governance Guidelines under the IndiaAI Mission, establishing a comprehensive framework to ensure the safe, inclusive, and responsible use of artificial intelligence across industries.The announcement comes ahead of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in responsible AI governance.

The new framework lays out a structured approach to foster innovation while safeguarding individuals and society from potential risks associated with AI deployment. It is built on four major components:

• Seven guiding principles (Sutras) for ethical and responsible AI.
• Key recommendations across six core pillars of AI governance.
• An action plan segmented into short, medium, and long-term goals.
• Practical implementation guidelines for developers, industry players, and regulators to promote transparency, accountability, and safety.

Speaking at the launch, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized the importance of leveraging existing legal frameworks and maintaining a human-centric approach. “At the heart of it all is human centricity ensuring AI serves humanity and improves people’s lives while addressing potential harms,” he said. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, highlighted the framework’s guiding principle  “Do No Harm.” He noted that India aims to balance innovation and risk mitigation through AI sandboxesand a flexible governance model. “The IndiaAI Mission will enable this ecosystem and inspire many nations, particularly across the Global South,” he added.

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, CEO of IndiaAI, and DG of NIC, shared insights into the consultative process behind the framework. “The committee held extensive deliberations and invited public feedback, reflecting strong engagement across sectors. As AI continues to evolve, a second committee reviewed the inputs and refined the final version,” he said. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to building an accessible, affordable, and inclusive AI ecosystemthat promotes innovation while maintaining a safe, trustworthy, and responsible technological environment.

The release of these guidelines underscores India’s proactive stance in shaping global AI policy balancing technological progress with ethical responsibility and public trust.