India Keeps Door Open for AI Law as Advisory Bodies Take Shape
India does not have a dedicated AI law, but the government has not ruled out introducing one as the technology matures. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said it currently sees no need for standalone legislation, though officials remain open to future frameworks.
The ministry announced two advisory committees in April to guide AI policy development. The Technology and Policy Expert Committee launched on April 18, while the AI Governance and Economic Group was announced on April 16.
Both committees are advisory only and carry no legal authority. Their recommendations will not be binding, and neither group functions as a regulator.
What the committees will do
The Technology and Policy Expert Committee will provide input on policy, regulation, and India's engagement with other countries on AI standards. The AI Governance and Economic Group will coordinate AI-related decisions across government ministries.
An official from MeitY said AI in India remains in an early, innovation-driven stage. This assessment underpins the government's current preference for guidance through existing rules rather than new legislation.
Current regulatory approach
India addresses certain AI issues under existing IT rules. AI-generated content, for example, falls under current regulatory frameworks rather than dedicated AI laws.
The European Union has taken a different path, introducing specific AI legislation. India's approach reflects a decision to monitor the sector's development before committing to comprehensive legal requirements.
The committee formation follows recommendations from India's AI Governance Guidelines released in November and the Economic Survey published earlier this year.
For legal professionals navigating corporate AI adoption and compliance, understanding India's regulatory trajectory matters. AI for Legal resources can help track how these policy developments may eventually affect legal practice and governance requirements.
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