Washington, Jan 31 (NationPress) India is embracing a trust-centric strategy for the governance of artificial intelligence, focusing on inclusion, innovation, and protection, as opposed to strict regulations, revealed the country’s leading scientific adviser during a virtual address to a think-tank gathering.

Speaking from New Delhi, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood informed attendees at a CSIS conference that the governance of AI has emerged as a fundamental aspect of national economic and strategic planning.

“AI has transcended mere isolated enterprise applications,” Sood stated. “It is now integrated across various sectors, forming the digital backbone of economies.

Sood highlighted the swift increase in global AI adoption, escalating investments in generative AI, and the growing energy requirements of data centers.

“These developments indicate that AI governance is no longer a marginal policy domain,” he emphasized. “It has become integral to economic strategy, public trust, and sustainable growth,” he added.

Sood explained that India’s approach prioritizes safety, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, while also remaining adaptable to encourage innovation.

The implementation of India’s AI policy is underway through the IndiaAI Mission, which was launched in 2024 and encompasses shared computing access, unified data platforms, indigenous model creation, and workforce training.

He mentioned that India has made subsidized high-performance computing accessible to startups, researchers, and academic institutions, which has significantly lowered costs compared to international standards.

The national AI data platform features thousands of datasets and models across various sectors, fostering domestic innovation.

India is also committed to enhancing AI education and establishing global standards, including participation in international AI standards organizations, according to Sood.

He pointed out that India recently published a National AI Governance Report, which outlines a “techno-legal” framework that merges legal oversight with technical solutions.

“This facilitates large-scale innovation while managing risks,” he remarked.

Looking forward to the upcoming AI Impact Summit, Sood said India aspires to advocate for a shared global vision where AI acts as a universal catalyst for development.

“The emphasis will be on democratizing access to essential AI resources such as computing power, data, and foundational models, ensuring these resources are not monopolized by a select few geographies or corporations, enabling countries to create context-specific solutions for their societies, languages, and public systems,” Sood stated.

He noted that the summit will also strive for advancements in global governance, sustainability, and safety, ensuring that developing nations are engaged participants rather than mere consumers of AI.

“Success will not solely be measured by capability,” Sood concluded. “It will depend on whether that capability translates into widely shared public benefits.”