India Unveils Calibrated AI Governance Framework to Balance Innovation and Safety

India is actively shaping a bespoke artificial intelligence regulatory framework designed to balance national innovation with essential safety guardrails. Electronics and IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed on July 20, 2026, that India is carefully evaluating global models from the U.S. and the EU but will not replicate them, opting for a custom-tailored strategy. This framework is anchored by seven guiding principles and the IT Amendment Rules 2026, which officially became effective on February 20, 2026. This policy trajectory reflects a 'whole-of-government' approach aimed at maintaining digital sovereignty and security.

A core component of this policy shift is the formal legal definition and regulation of 'synthetically generated information' (SGI), including deepfakes. Recent amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, now mandate that digital intermediaries act on content removal complaints involving synthetic media within an aggressive two-hour window. This stringent requirement is specifically designed to mitigate the risks of electoral interference, misinformation, and public disorder. The government is also establishing dedicated institutions, such as the AI Governance Group, the Technology & Policy Expert Committee, and the AI Safety Institute, to oversee ongoing policy refinement and ethical development.

The regulatory framework is an integral pillar of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which prioritizes the expansion of public computing infrastructure and the development of indigenous AI capabilities. By investing in sovereign AI, the government aims to ensure India remains future-ready while retaining control over its critical digital ecosystem. As these rules take effect, technology platforms must align their internal systems with these legal definitions and response timelines to avoid potential penalties, ultimately aiming to foster a safer digital environment for all Indian users.