In India, AI strategy must precede mission

India’s AI Strategy

• India’s AI initiatives are based on the IndiaAI Mission, which cannot replace a national strategy.
• The mission cannot substitute for a national strategy and should be based on clearly defined priorities.

Risks of AI Governance

• AI technologies are increasingly embedded in India’s defence, intelligence, and critical infrastructure systems.
• Without an indigenous, coordinated AI strategy, India risks strategic dependencies on foreign technologies.
• Data governance frameworks are crucial for AI, as they shape innovation and market power.
• The governance gap in employment is clear, with automation transforming India’s labour market.
• AI is energy-hungry, posing challenges for India due to the projected double global data centre electricity demand by 2030.
• AI will profoundly reshape work, education, and the social contract, requiring national dialogue involving industry leaders, parliamentarians, educators, civil society, and labour representatives.

Potential Solutions

• India needs to publish a Cabinet-endorsed national AI strategy and present it to Parliament.
• A dedicated Standing Committee on AI and Emerging Technologies in Parliament should be formed to oversee executive initiatives, ethical risks, and public consultations.
• A national impact study on AI-driven employment disruption should be commissioned.
• Building democratic consensus and institutional architecture is a difficult road but will make India a genuine AI leader.