India Backs AI Innovation, Assures Light Regulation and Job Creation Push

India has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting innovation in artificial intelligence, making it clear that regulation should not slow down progress in this fast-growing sector. Speaking at FICCI’s 6th AI India Conclave in New Delhi, S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said the government’s priority is to ensure that innovation continues to flourish. He explained that existing laws are currently sufficient to address risks linked to AI, and there is no immediate need for heavy new regulations that could restrict growth. According to him, innovation must lead the way, while laws will evolve gradually as the technology matures.

Krishnan also addressed concerns around job losses due to AI adoption, expressing confidence that new job opportunities will exceed any displacement. He said the shift will be supported through large-scale reskilling and upskilling programmes, involving industry, academia and other stakeholders along with the government. He highlighted that AI could become a major growth driver for the Global South, calling it a rare opportunity for developing countries to accelerate their journey towards becoming developed economies. By improving productivity for people who may not traditionally have access to high-end cognitive jobs, AI can unlock new economic possibilities.

He further noted that global institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations have recognised India’s approach under the India AI Mission as a practical and inclusive model. This approach focuses on affordability and access, showing that countries do not need massive infrastructure investments to compete in the AI era. The emphasis, he said, is on using AI to solve real problems at scale.

Industry leaders echoed these views at the conclave. Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director of Google India, described India’s AI journey as a major shift that can impact over a billion people, driven by the goal of making AI widely accessible. Intel India President Gokul Subramaniam said India has moved beyond basic discussions and is now actively deploying advanced AI technologies, including robotics and agent-driven systems, across sectors. A joint FICCI-BCG report launched at the event highlighted three priorities for India: transforming businesses with AI, investing in innovation, and ensuring last-mile access.

The report pointed out that AI adoption by MSMEs alone could create over $500 billion in economic value, though challenges around cost and access must be addressed. Speakers from UNICEF and UNIDO also stressed responsible AI use, especially for children and small businesses. Overall, the conclave underlined India’s intent to lead globally in AI by encouraging innovation, supporting inclusive growth, and preparing its workforce for the future.

Source: FICCI