India
Techno-optimist, guidelines-first; data law now operational
Regulatory posture
India chose a pro-innovation path: the November 2025 AI Governance Guidelines lean on existing law and voluntary commitments rather than a dedicated AI act, while the DPDP data-protection regime became operational with rules notified in late 2025. Hosting the 2026 AI Impact Summit cemented its role as a Global South governance voice.
Tracked
- In force2
- Signals3
Set last reviewed 13 August 2026
Next review 10 September 2026
Tracked instruments
- India DPDPIndia's data-protection regime became operational with the November 2025 rules: consent-manager infrastructure, breach notification, children's data rules and significant…Data & Privacy
- India AI GuidelinesMeitY's governance framework opts against a standalone AI act: it applies existing law through seven sutras (principles), an AI Governance Group and Safety Institute, vol…Standards & AssuranceData & Privacy
Signals
India hosts the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi
The summit series' fourth leader-level meeting centers inclusive development and Global South priorities — continuing the drift from safety-first framing.
India notifies DPDP Rules, activating its data-protection regime
Phased obligations begin for consent management, breach notification and significant data fiduciaries — the data foundation for AI governance in India.
India publishes AI Governance Guidelines, opting against a standalone AI act
MeitY's framework applies existing law through principles, institutions and voluntary commitments — a landmark pro-innovation choice by the world's most populous nation.