Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw stated this week that India requires a new law specifically for artificial intelligence, marking a reversal from the government’s earlier position. He emphasized the need for a legal framework distinct from the Information Technology Act of 2000, under which AI-related matters have been handled so far, according to medianama.com.
In an interview with Press Trust of India, Vaishnaw explained that the AI landscape is fundamentally different from when the IT Act was enacted, necessitating updated legislation. He said the government is currently engaging with industry stakeholders to develop a balanced framework that supports innovation while ensuring citizen safety. This latest statement contradicts MeitY’s December 2025 position, when Secretary S Krishnan indicated no plans for a dedicated AI law, preferring to work within existing laws, medianama.com reported.
The call for a new AI law reflects growing recognition of the unique challenges and risks posed by AI technologies, which existing regulations may not adequately address. India’s approach contrasts with its previous cautious stance and aligns with global trends where countries are actively drafting AI-specific regulations. The development could impact how AI companies operate and innovate in India, potentially setting clearer legal standards and compliance requirements.
Vaishnaw reiterated the need for extensive collaboration with the industry to formulate the new law. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is leading discussions, signaling a significant policy shift. The full interview is available on The Hindu’s YouTube channel, providing further details on the government’s evolving AI regulatory strategy.