An Economic Times commentary argues India needs a comprehensive national AI law, including clearer safety standards and rules for accountability when AI systems cause harm. It is a policy argument, not a government announcement, but it raises a consequential question about how India will govern AI as its use grows.
Watch Desk analysis
What happened
In an opinion column published on 30 October, Sanjay K Mishra and Sucheta Sharma call for a National AI Act that would define boundaries for the technology, set compliance standards and establish algorithmic liability. They argue that AI models should be tested for safety, security and accuracy before being accredited for use.
The authors point to existing steps, including India’s 2025 AI Governance Guidelines and the AI Safety Institute established under the IndiaAI Mission. Their case is that these should be strengthened, alongside clearer organisational protocols for AI use.
Why it matters
The proposal would move the debate beyond voluntary guidance towards a national legal framework. The column highlights concerns including data protection, confidential information and AI-enabled fraud, and argues that current arrangements do not settle who is accountable when systems malfunction or are misused.
India’s telecom regulator has separately proposed draft AI rules for telecom operators. That is a sector-specific proposal, not the broad national law these authors are advocating.
Our read
The useful distinction is between what already exists and what the authors want next: India has guidelines and an AI Safety Institute, while a comprehensive national AI Act remains their recommendation. The hard part will be turning calls for testing and accountability into rules that protect people without becoming a compliance maze with a very expensive map.
What to watch
- Whether the Indian government proposes a national AI law.
- What powers and resources the AI Safety Institute receives.
- How any future framework assigns responsibility for AI-related harm.
Discussion spark: Should India adopt a broad national AI law with mandatory testing and liability rules, or build on existing guidance and regulate specific sectors first?
Sources and evidence
- Source update (30 October 2026, 17:58 UTC)
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