India's AI Future Needs Strategy First

Why in the News?

1. India has expressed its ambition to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.
2. As the world’s largest democracy with strong technological capabilities, it is well-placed to promote an inclusive and human-centric AI framework.
3. However, this vision may be weakened by the lack of a comprehensive and democratically grounded national AI strategy.

About Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1. Definition
   1. AI is the ability of machines or computer programs to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence.
   2. These tasks include decision-making, problem-solving, speech recognition, and learning from experience.
   3. Unlike traditional computing, which follows fixed instructions, AI systems can learn and improve with data.
2. Types of AI
   1. Narrow AI: Designed to perform one specific task (Example: chatbots, face recognition).
   2. General AI: A future concept where machines could think and reason like humans across tasks.
   3. Generative AI: A subset of AI that can create new content like text, images, music, and videos. Examples include ChatGPT and DALL·E. It works using machine learning models trained on large datasets.
3. Key Technologies
   1. Machine Learning (ML): Systems learn patterns from data to make predictions.
   2. Deep Learning: A type of ML using neural networks that mimic the human brain.
   3. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Helps machines understand and generate human language.
4. Important Terminologies
   1. Neural Networks: Computer systems modeled after the human brain to identify patterns.
   2. Supervised Learning: AI learns using labeled data.
   3. Unsupervised Learning: AI learns without labeled data, by finding hidden patterns.
5. Ethical and Legal Dimensions
   1. Bias and Fairness: AI systems can be biased if trained on unfair or incomplete data. This can lead to discrimination in areas like hiring or law enforcement.
   2. Privacy and Surveillance: AI often depends on large amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and misuse. Surveillance tools powered by AI can lead to tracking without consent.
   3. Legal and Regulatory Issues: Globally, countries are working to build frameworks to regulate AI. The European Union's AI Act is one example of strict regulation to ensure ethical use.
6. International Cooperation:
   1. Bodies like UNESCO and the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) promote shared ethical standards.
   2. India actively participates, advocating for the interests of the Global South.

Key Highlights - Current Scenario

1. In India’s AI landscape, critical issues related to national priorities, core governance values, and institutional frameworks remain unaddressed.
2. India's ongoing AI efforts are primarily driven by the IndiaAI Mission, which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as an independent unit.
3. However, this mission cannot replace the need for a comprehensive national AI strategy.
4. Missions are meant to implement well-defined priorities, not to define them.

AI in India: Sectoral Overview

Sector	Current AI Application	Challenges	Solution
National Security and Strategic Autonomy	AI is being used in defence, intelligence, and critical systems. It's also being used in military conflicts and financial systems.	Strategic dependencies on foreign technologies and lack of coordinated indigenous strategy	The government should create a full AI strategy focused on national security to maintain strategic autonomy.
Data Governance and Innovation Ecosystems	Public data platforms are being built to power AI, as data is like fuel for AI.	There's no clear system for data use (lack of transparent data governance), big companies may dominate, and people may lose trust.	Make transparent rules for data use through public debate, and ensure everyone has fair access to data to ensure accountability.
Employment and Labour Market Disruption	AI is replacing jobs in IT and other sectors. The IMF says 26% of India’s workforce is exposed to generative AI, and 12% could lose jobs. In 2024, TCS, Infosys, and Wipro cut 65,000 jobs.	Not enough focus on how to help people move to new jobs and ensure social protection for them. Experts from labour and society are not involved in planning.	Include labour experts and civil society in planning. Do national studies to understand AI’s impact on jobs, and support job transitions.
Environment and Energy	AI uses a lot of electricity and water. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad (big tech hubs) are running low on groundwater. By 2030, global data centre power use may double (International Energy Agency).	Policy discussions on AI in India have scarcely addressed the energy and environmental implications of scaling AI.	Include energy use and sustainability in AI policies. Balance infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability.
Education and Societal Equity	AI is changing what skills are valued and how people learn and grow economically.	Inequalities may grow, if the decisions are left just to market forces and tech experts.	Start national discussions with teachers, civil society, and lawmakers to make sure the shift is fair for all.
Healthcare, Welfare and Policing	AI is used in diagnosing diseases, choosing policy beneficiaries, and policing.	AI can be biased or unfair, and lack of transparency can reduce public trust.	Create clear regulatory frameworks and ensure transparency and citizen trust in AI governance
Global Leadership and Governance Strategy	India has taken a lead for the Global South in global AI forums, like the Global Partnership on AI.	But without a clear, transparent and democratic national AI policy, India’s influence will be limited.	India needs to create a national AI strategy through public debate which focuses on proactive, strategic, and coordinated governance. Only then can India lead globally and use AI for public good effectively.

Way forward

1. First, India should release a Cabinet-approved national AI strategy and formally present it in Parliament.
2. Second, a dedicated Parliamentary Standing Committee on AI and Emerging Technologies must be established to monitor government actions, assess ethical concerns, and ensure regular public consultations.
3. Third, a national study should be commissioned to assess the impact of AI on employment, especially in entry-level white-collar jobs, using detailed data across different sectors, age groups, and regions.

Conclusion

AI is not just a technological shift, it’s a test of governance capacity, strategic foresight, and institutional maturity. India’s leadership in AI will depend on its ability to build a resilient, equitable, and democratically accountable framework. The path to AI leadership lies not just in innovation, but in ethics, inclusivity, and public trust. Taking the time to build democratic consensus and institutional architecture is a difficult road to take, but it will make India a genuine AI leader.

Ensure IAS Mains Question Q. AI is transforming multiple sectors in India, but without a national strategy, its growth may lead to unequal outcomes and strategic vulnerabilities. Discuss with examples. (250 words)

 

Ensure IAS Prelims Question Q. Consider the following statements regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact in India: AI adoption has led to significant job losses in India’s IT sector. India has already implemented a Cabinet-approved national AI strategy. AI data centers have no significant impact on water and energy resources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Answer: a Explanation Statement 1 is correct: In 2024, TCS, Infosys, and Wipro shed ~65,000 jobs due to AI-led changes. Statement 2 is incorrect: India has not yet published a Cabinet-approved national AI strategy. Statement 3 is incorrect: AI data centres consume large amounts of energy and water, stressing resources in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

 

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