New Delhi: The government will begin a consultation process in the coming weeks to frame legislation on artificial intelligence, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday.
He said global companies that are among the top three or four AI ecosystems in the world need to work within the country's framework. Vaishnaw did not give a timeline for the draft law or say which ministry would lead the consultation.
IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the Centre recognised that AI needs more regulation, pointing to a series of cyber incidents in which AI agents escaped their sandboxes and ran rogue. He said many of the ways in which agents exploit systems come down to someone not following basic cyber hygiene.
India's debate on regulating AI has so far centred largely on copyright and economic incentives, with recent court rulings highlighting the tension between copyright law and the needs of AI developers. The government has been investing in domestic AI capabilities to boost innovation and competition.
Officials have also flagged that regulatory frameworks must align with broader economic goals and public welfare. The consultation is expected to seek views from industry, academia and civil society before any bill is drafted.
The push comes as AI use expands across Indian businesses, from customer support to fraud detection, and as governments worldwide weigh how far to regulate the technology.
Anxiety over AI agents is rising globally: some large US banks have reportedly blocked third-party AI agents from accessing customer accounts. The consultation is also expected to take in views from technology firms, lawyers and consumer groups. As AI use spreads, industry has been pressing for a clear regulatory framework.
BJP Maharashtra IT Cell In-charge Tejas Malviya stated, "This decision by the Central Government is highly welcome and the need of the hour. Given the rapid spread of AI technology, a clear legal framework is imperative to ensure cyber security and protect the digital rights of citizens. By curbing challenges such as unconstrained AI models, cybercrime, and copyright infringement in a timely manner, this is a significant step toward establishing India as a secure and trusted global tech hub."