The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with UNESCO and implementation partner Ikigai Law, conducted a pivotal stakeholder consultation on Safety and Ethics in AI. Hosted at the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore, the event marked the second in a series of five nationwide consultations aimed at shaping an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem in India. 

The initiative, leveraging UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, India Specific- Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) framework, focuses on developing a comprehensive India-specific AI policy report. This report aims to identify the strengths and opportunities within the nation’s AI ecosystem while proposing actionable recommendations for responsible AI adoption. Breakout sessions in each consultation are designed to encourage participant collaboration, enabling stakeholders to share insights and influence the report’s findings. 

Balancing Innovation and Regulation 

Speaking at the event, Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and CEO-IndiaAI Mission, highlighted the delicate balance required between regulation and innovation. “AI regulation is important, but it should not stifle innovation. A balanced approach is of utmost importance,” he emphasized. Singh underscored the necessity of incorporating India’s socio-cultural diversity into AI model training, noting that a nuanced strategy is essential for responsible AI frameworks. 

Singh also advocated for a whole-of-system, whole-of-government approach, stressing the interconnected nature of AI systems. “Developing reasoning models often involves data and responses from one sector influencing another. While small language models and sectoral regulatory frameworks remain relevant, a cross-sectoral strategy is equally crucial,” he added. 

AI Landscape 

Building on the success of the inaugural consultation held in New Delhi in November 2024, the Bangalore session delved deeper into actionable strategies for ethical AI deployment. By addressing critical themes such as governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and sector-specific applications, the consultation sought to identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen the country’s AI landscape. 

The discussions underscored the need for an inclusive approach that democratizes AI’s benefits while ensuring accountability. With India’s AI sector rapidly advancing, these stakeholder engagements aim to empower innovators and establish a framework that prioritizes ethical considerations. 

UNESCO’s Global Perspective 

Dr. Mariagrazia Squicciarini, Chief of the Executive Office, Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI governance. “Regulations should not merely set limits but focus on maximizing AI’s benefits,” she noted. Dr. Squicciarini shared insights into UNESCO’s efforts in supporting low-resource languages and governance initiatives, stating, “India’s successes in building representative datasets can serve as a model for similar countries on their AI governance journeys.” 

Dr. Squicciarini also reflected on the innovative use of AI for self-analysis, describing it as a paradigm shift in understanding AI’s capabilities. “From 2023 to 2024, we leveraged AI to analyze itself, turning what seemed like a cannibalizing exercise into an opportunity to unlock its potential,” she remarked. 

Conclusion 

The Bangalore consultation reaffirmed the collective commitment to fostering an AI ecosystem that is both innovative and responsible. By bringing together key stakeholders from diverse sectors, the event advanced the dialogue on ethical AI deployment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, cross-sectoral collaboration, and nuanced policy-making. 

As India’s AI journey progresses, these consultations serve as critical platforms for shaping policies that empower innovators and ensure equitable benefits. With three more consultations on the horizon, the INDIAai Mission continues to drive meaningful change, positioning India as a global leader in ethical AI development and governance.