India’s approach to regulating artificial intelligence will remain cautious, with the government preferring to rely on existing laws instead of introducing new regulations unless they are absolutely required.
Speaking at the AI Leadership Meet organised by an industry body, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said the government is inclined to avoid new laws for AI and instead use frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to handle emerging challenges. He said this approach is meant to ensure that regulation does not slow down innovation in a fast growing technology space.
“As it is, we are a country with many laws… So my own inclination always is to avoid putting in a new law, a new regulation, unless you absolutely have to. Try to see what we can do with existing law.”
He added that the government’s position on AI laws has been clear so far. “…our approach to regulation of AI thus far has been very, very grounded and has been very, very clear that under no circumstances do we want to get in the way of innovation,” Krishnan said.
According to him, several concerns related to AI are already addressed through the Intellectual Property Act and the recently notified Digital Personal Data Protection Act. “We will look at other things” if the need for additional regulation arises, he said, adding, “our emphasis will be much more on enabling pieces of regulation which would allow AI to develop”.
At the same time, Krishnan cautioned that the government will intervene if the use of AI causes harm.
Explaining India’s broader AI strategy, he said the country is not focused on global dominance through control of computing power or core technology. Instead, the emphasis is on using AI to create impact across priority sectors.
He highlighted agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance as key areas where AI can support human capabilities and improve productivity. This, he said, is critical for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
On concerns around job losses due to AI, Krishnan acknowledged that some roles may disappear, but said new opportunities will also emerge. He noted that India has an advantage in moving from theoretical AI to real world implementation.
“Our human resources also seem to be better spaced and in a better position to handle the AI transition than in many other countries,” he said.
The AI Leadership Meet was held as a pre summit event ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19 and 20, 2026, in New Delhi.
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