During his address at Assocham’s AI Leadership Meet, Krishnan emphasized that the government’s regulatory stance is cautious and deliberate, ensuring it does not impede innovation in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
“As it stands, we have numerous laws… My natural inclination is to avoid implementing a new law or regulation unless absolutely required. We should explore how to utilize existing legislation.
“Our regulatory approach to AI has been very grounded, making it clear that we do not wish to obstruct innovation under any circumstances,” Krishnan remarked.
He pointed out that many of the issues related to AI usage are already addressed through the provisions of the Intellectual Property (IP) Act and the recently implemented Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
“We will evaluate other areas” regarding the necessity for further regulation in the future, he stated, adding, “our focus will be much more on enabling regulatory frameworks that support AI development.”
Nonetheless, the secretary warned that the government will take action if the technology results in harm.
Outlining India’s strategic approach towards AI, Krishnan clarified that while the country is not vying for global supremacy in terms of computing power or core technology, it is primarily focused on the impactful application of AI in key industries.
He highlighted agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance as vital sectors where AI can serve as an aid to amplify human potential. This enhancement of productivity, he asserted, is crucial for India to fulfill its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
In light of concerns about job displacement due to AI, Krishnan recognized that while some positions may be lost, new ones will also emerge.
He argued that India possesses a unique advantage in moving from theoretical AI to practical applications and implementation.
“Our workforce appears to be better equipped and positioned to navigate the AI transition compared to many other nations,” he noted.
The AI Leadership Meet acted as an official pre-summit event for the AI Impact Summit 2026, slated for February 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi.
