INDIA SEEKS ITS OWN AI SAFETY MODEL AS GLOBAL RULES TAKE SHAPE

October 4, 2026

NEW DELHI — India is considering a distinct approach to regulating artificial intelligence as policymakers and technology experts debate how the country should address the rapidly expanding use of AI and its potential risks.

Rather than adopting a regulatory framework entirely modelled on the United States, discussions are reportedly favouring a hybrid system that combines voluntary safeguards with targeted government oversight.

Experts have argued that a flexible framework could allow India to encourage innovation while establishing stronger protections against the misuse of increasingly powerful AI systems. Such an approach could cover areas including safety testing, transparency, accountability and the handling of high-risk applications.

The debate comes as governments around the world attempt to establish rules for technologies whose capabilities are developing faster than traditional regulatory systems. India faces the additional challenge of balancing technological growth with concerns over misinformation, privacy, security and responsible deployment.

A hybrid model could therefore give authorities greater room to intervene in sensitive areas while avoiding excessive regulation of lower-risk applications. The objective would be to create safeguards without placing unnecessary restrictions on India's expanding technology sector.

The emerging discussion signals that New Delhi is seeking an AI governance framework suited to India's own technological ambitions and regulatory priorities rather than simply reproducing models developed elsewhere.