India to Release AI Regulation Consultation Paper Within a Month
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will release a consultation paper on AI regulation within one month. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized safety and a human-first approach.
India is set to introduce a significant step in developing regulations for artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) plans to release a consultation paper focused on AI regulation within the next month. This announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the launch of the World Development Report 2026.
Vaishnaw emphasized that AI regulation must prioritize safety, put people first, enable scale, and foster inclusivity. He stated that the regulations should also address the harms caused by AI, particularly the issues arising from deepfake technology. The minister noted that deepfakes can create false narratives and lead to societal problems, with their quality improving daily.
The government aims to find techno-legal solutions for AI regulation. Vaishnaw stressed that the responsibility cannot solely lie with the government; the industry must play a significant role in preventing safety risks, cybersecurity, and user harm. "The industry has to take the primary responsibility," he stated. The government is also considering reforming the procurement process for AI solutions, moving from traditional tenders to an empanelment system, to allow the government to leverage AI technology more effectively.
MeitY's approach to AI regulation has evolved. Previously, the ministry was more hesitant towards regulation, but the stance has shifted recently. In 2025, the ministry indicated that a new, standalone AI law was unlikely to be needed, with existing laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act being utilized. However, recent statements show a transition towards dedicated regulatory measures and more active industry involvement.