Telecom operators and the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) are advocating for a risk-based regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) that emphasizes service quality and human oversight rather than invasive audits, according to medianama.com. This approach contrasts with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) 2024 plan for mandatory pre-deployment AI testing. The shift was highlighted at the Cellular Operators Association of India’s (COAI) AI and Telecom event in September 2026.
Ambika Khurana, Chief Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Officer at Vodafone Idea, called for a "light-touch progressive enabling regulatory system" that demands transparency focused on service excellence instead of detailed system audits. Mehul Joshi, Deputy Director General and CISO at DoT, explained that the government’s approach avoids heavy regulation to prevent hindering technological development. He also referenced the India AI mission, backed by a budget of 10,000 crore rupees over five years, and the establishment of the India AI Security Institute.
This regulatory stance follows the June 2026 announcement of a National Working Group (NWG) on AI-related technical standardizations by DoT. The proposed framework prioritizes accountability with human oversight integrated into AI deployment, reflecting telecom sector concerns about balancing innovation with consumer protection. The shift away from MeitY’s earlier mandatory AI testing signals a preference for flexible policies that support the telecom industry’s evolving AI applications.
The India AI mission’s 10,000 crore rupee funding over five years underscores the government’s commitment to fostering AI development alongside measured regulation. The National Working Group on AI technical standards continues to develop guidelines that align with this risk-based approach, aiming to ensure high-quality AI services in the telecom sector.