In preparation for the AI Action Summit, India and France co-chaired an international working group on AI governance, bringing together 29 states, six international organizations, seven technology companies, and ten civil society organizations. Over seven months, this group identified key areas requiring governance, aiming to balance AI’s transformative potential with its associated risks.

India’s Role in Shaping AI Governance

India’s proactive engagement in AI governance aligns with its broader digital transformation goals. With a rapidly expanding digital economy and a commitment to technological innovation, India recognizes AI as a critical driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and human well-being. Mr. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, represented India in this initiative, emphasizing the importance of a governance framework that reflects democratic values, data sovereignty, and equitable AI access.

Key Outcomes and Strategic Directions

The working group’s findings highlight the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance. A key takeaway is that governance does not necessarily imply rigid regulations but can include voluntary commitments, codes of conduct, and the sharing of best practices. The primary areas identified for AI governance include:

• Trustworthy AI Principles: Ensuring AI development aligns with fundamental human rights, the rule of law, transparency, explainability, robustness, security, and accountability.
• Addressing Emerging Challenges: Safeguarding linguistic and cultural diversity, ensuring equitable market structures, and securing democratic access to AI technologies.
• Building Enabling Infrastructure: Recognizing that AI governance extends beyond policy frameworks, including investments in digital public infrastructure, open standards, and skill distribution.
• Anticipating Social Impact: Assessing AI’s long-term implications on employment, social equity, and economic structures to ensure fair adaptation and inclusion.

India’s AI Governance Priorities

For India, AI governance must align with its objectives of digital inclusivity, data sovereignty, and responsible AI development. Key aspects of India’s approach include:

• AI for Social Good: Leveraging AI to address critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, ensuring equitable access and affordability.
• Localized AI Policies: Tailoring governance frameworks to suit India’s diverse linguistic and socio-economic landscape.
• Global AI Collaboration: Strengthening AI partnerships through multilateral forums while ensuring national interests and data protection policies remain intact.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India, alongside Mr. Henri Verdier, Ambassador for Digital Affairs, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, co-chaired this landmark initiative.

Source: ELYSEE