In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making technology inclusive and transformative, India is accelerating its national AI strategy to democratize access, address local challenges, create jobs, and establish global leadership in artificial intelligence.
A Mission with Purpose
Launched in March 2024, the IndiaAI Mission is a strategic, seven-pillar initiative focused on building a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem. It aims to:
Tackle India-specific problems like linguistic diversity
Drive innovation in public services
Empower startups and developers
Create large-scale employment opportunities
India already boasts a thriving tech economy—generating over $250 billion annually and employing 6 million+ professionals. The country ranks among the top AI talent pools globally and is the second-largest contributor to AI projects on GitHub.
Open-Source AI Models for All
In a major push for accessibility, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is hosting open-source models like LLAMA on the AIRAWAT infrastructure (CDAC-Pune). These models are now available to developers via API, encouraging open innovation.
Strong Laws to Tackle Deepfakes & Cybercrime
India has put in place a multi-layered legal and governance framework to ensure responsible AI use and online safety:
Under the IT Act, 2000:
Sections 66C to 67B address identity theft, deepfakes, obscene content, and misuse of personal images.
Under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023:
Sections 111, 318–356 cover cybercrime, public mischief, impersonation, defamation, and online cheating.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023:
Holds companies (Data Fiduciaries) accountable for safeguarding personal digital data.
IT Rules, 2021:
Mandates social media platforms to act swiftly on fake news and deepfakes.
Includes a 24-hour grievance redressal mechanism and escalation to a Grievance Appellate Committee if needed.
Tools for Citizens:
Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
Building Cybersecurity for the AI Age
India’s CERT-In has issued key guidelines and launched programs such as:
Certified Security Professional in AI (CSPAI)
Best practices for generative AI use (2025)
Supply chain security norms for AI, quantum, and cryptography (July 2025)
Advisory Group for India-Specific AI Framework
An Advisory Group chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the PM is drafting a regulatory framework tailored to India’s needs. It includes experts from academia, industry, and government
The Road Ahead
With its tech might, legal muscle, and inclusive vision, India is poised to become a global hub for ethical, scalable, and responsible AI. The mission is clear: AI for All, and AI for India.