India has released its first comprehensive AI governance guidelines, opting for a principle-based framework backed by existing laws and new oversight bodies to balance innovation with safeguards
Ahead of the five-day Impact Summit 2026, the government on Sunday unveiled India’s first comprehensive artificial intelligence governance guidelines, outlining a principle-based framework designed to address risks while promoting innovation.
The move signals India’s intent to shape responsible AI governance without introducing a rigid standalone law. The framework aims to address concerns such as bias, misuse and lack of transparency in AI systems, while ensuring that technological adoption is not slowed.
Seven guiding principles
The guidelines outline how AI should be developed and deployed across sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and governance. Rather than imposing strict controls, the framework rests on seven broad principles, described as “sutras”, to guide policymakers and industry.
These principles include trust as the foundation, ‘people first’, innovation over restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience and sustainability. Together, they stress that AI systems must assist human decision-making, remain transparent, avoid discrimination and operate with clear safeguards.
Reliance on existing legal framework
A central element of the guidelines is their reliance on current laws. Officials said that several AI-related risks are already addressed under existing legal provisions such as IT rules, data protection laws and criminal statutes.
Instead of enacting a separate AI law at this stage, the government has chosen periodic reviews and targeted amendments as technology advances.
The framework proposes the creation of national-level bodies to oversee AI governance. These include an AI governance group to coordinate policy across ministries, a technology and policy expert committee to offer specialist advice, and an AI safety institute focused on testing standards, safety research and risk assessment.
Expectations for developers and deployers
The guidelines set out responsibilities for AI developers and deployers. They call for transparency reports, clear disclosures when AI-generated content is used, grievance redressal mechanisms for individuals affected by AI systems, and cooperation with regulators.
Applications considered high-risk, particularly those affecting safety, rights or livelihoods, are expected to follow stronger safeguards and incorporate human oversight.
Officials said the approach reflects
India’s view that AI should not be confined to a handful of firms or nations but deployed widely to address practical challenges while remaining trustworthy.
By combining innovation with safeguards, the government aims to position India not only as a major user of AI but also as a global voice in shaping responsible and inclusive AI governance aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
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