Context & Why in News
- India aspires to be a global leader in AI governance, positioning itself as a voice for the Global South.
- However, it lacks a comprehensive, democratically anchored National AI Strategy, risking technocratic and opaque governance.
Relevance : GS 3(Technology ) ,GS 2(Governance)
Key Issues Identified
- No National AI Strategy: Current approach via IndiaAI Mission is implementation-focused, not strategic.
- Lack of National Priorities: Unclear values, governance structures, and sectoral priorities.
- Opaque Governance: Centralisation without parliamentary oversight or civil society input.
- Technological Dependency: Absence of indigenous strategy may lead to strategic reliance on foreign AI systems.
Major Risks & Gaps
- Strategic Autonomy: AI used in defence/intelligence makes sovereignty critical.
- Employment Disruption:
- 65,000 IT jobs lost in 2024 (TCS, Infosys, Wipro).
- IMF: 26% of India’s workforce exposed to GenAI, 12% at risk of displacement.
- No plan for reskilling, labour transition, or social protection.
- Environmental Cost:
- AI’s energy needs rising.
- Data centres stress power & water in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad.
- Social Impact Unaddressed:
- AI in health, welfare, policing may amplify bias, hurt accountability.
- No inclusive policy on AI ethics, equity, or digital rights.
What Should Be Done? (Recommendations)
- Publish a National AI Strategy endorsed by the Cabinet and table it in Parliament.
- Form a Standing Parliamentary Committee on AI & Emerging Tech.
- Commission AI Employment Impact Study: Granular insights on job loss by sector, region, demographic.
- Build institutional architecture via public consultations and democratic dialogue.
- Align AI with national security, economic resilience, equity, and sustainability.
Global Implications
- Without internal coherence, India’s global leadership in AI forums like Global Partnership on AI will lack credibility.
- India must model democratic AI governance for the developing world.
Data & Statistics
| Data Point | Figure | Context / Source |
| IndiaAI Mission budget | ₹10,371 crore | Announced in Union Budget 2024–25 |
| Job losses (2024) | ~65,000 jobs | Lost across TCS, Infosys, Wipro,etc |
| IMF Estimate – Workforce at risk | 26% of Indian workforce exposed to GenAI | 12% of jobs at risk of displacement |
| Energy demand forecast (Global) | Will double by 2030 | Source: International Energy Agency |
| Water stress | 11 out of India’s top 20 cities | AI hubs like Bengaluru & Hyderabad face severe groundwater decline |
| Adult literacy needed for ‘total literacy’ under NLM (for earlier reference) | 90% aged 15–35 | For comparison: Kerala achieved this in 1991 |
Key Institutional Mentions
- IndiaAI Mission: Implemented under Section 8 company of MeitY.
- Global Partnership on AI (GPAI): India has leadership role.
- Future of India Foundation: Publisher of the source report, “Governing AI in India: Why Strategy Must Precede Mission”.
