India is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with the potential to reshape sectors like healthcare, education, and financial inclusion, driving unprecedented growth and societal transformation. However, alongside these opportunities lies the critical responsibility of ensuring the ethical, safe, and responsible deployment of AI technologies.

UNESCO's Leadership in Ethical AI

UNESCO has emerged as a global leader in ethical AI governance through its AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). This diagnostic tool aligns national AI strategies with the Global Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which emphasizes principles of transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness. The AI RAM helps nations assess their readiness for ethical AI deployment and provides actionable insights to build robust governance frameworks.

India's Commitment to Safe and Trusted AI

Under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar of the INDIAai Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is championing responsible AI practices. By developing indigenous governance tools, frameworks, and self-assessment guidelines, MeitY fosters safety and trust in AI systems, empowering innovators to create solutions that benefit all.

In collaboration with UNESCO and Ikigai Law as the implementation partner, MeitY is deploying the AI RAM to produce an India-specific AI policy report. This report will identify the nation’s strengths, opportunities, and challenges in AI, while proposing actionable recommendations for responsible AI adoption.

Stakeholder Consultations: Building a Shared Vision

As part of this initiative, five stakeholder consultations are being conducted nationwide. These sessions aim to facilitate dialogue, deepen understanding, and build a collective vision for ethical AI deployment. Breakout sessions at each consultation provide a platform for stakeholders to engage, share insights, and help shape the findings and recommendations of the policy report.