Pragmatism marks our move to keep AI in line

India's AI Governance Guidelines outline principles and note how existing laws could be adapted to regulate this technology. Their efficacy will reveal if we need a dedicated AI bill

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In the absence of a dedicated law to regulate fast-evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, some of which impersonate humans and even operate autonomously, India's new guidelines for AI governance mark a pragmatic step forward.

With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act yet to be implemented and the Digital India Act still pending, the government's techno-legal approach contrasts sharply with rigid regulatory models of the West. It seeks to test corporate compliance while encouraging innovation, urging companies to voluntarily embed safety and accountability into AI design. AI is now seen as pivotal to India's development goals. According to Niti Aayog's AI for Viksit Bharat report, by 2035, AI could add $1-1.4 trillion to India's GDP, with productivity gains generating $500-600 billion and innovation contributing another $280-475 billion, plus other yields.