India’s approach to artificial intelligence is centred on adoption rather than homegrown product development, according to legal scholar Nikhil Naren, who argues that the country’s flexible regulatory framework is better suited to fostering innovation than sweeping AI legislation.
As generative AI tools become increasingly common in Indian households, calls for dedicated AI regulation are growing. Unlike the European Union, which enacted the AI Act, India has so far relied on guidelines, frameworks and sector-specific rules rather than a comprehensive AI law.
Speaking to StratNewsGlobal Tech, Naren — a Chevening Scholar and Assistant Professor at Jindal Global Law School — said India’s regulatory strategy focuses on addressing risks within specific sectors as they emerge. He believes this targeted approach allows policymakers to balance oversight with innovation, avoiding regulations that could hinder technological growth.
Naren made the remarks while discussing his new book, Technology, Law, Regulation, Cyber Policy, and the Digital Landscape, co-authored with Rodney Ryder, founding partner of Scriboard.
According to Naren, India’s cyber policy framework remains fragmented, often applying traditional legal concepts to modern challenges such as algorithmic warfare and AI-generated content. Existing criminal laws continue to rely on proving intent and a physical act, standards that can be difficult to apply in an era where deepfakes can be created and distributed anonymously within seconds.
While acknowledging gaps in the current legal framework, Naren said the Information Technology Act still provides authorities with tools to address emerging harms through interpretation and enforcement.
On AI development, Naren noted that most of the AI products used in India are built in Western markets. While India has become a significant adopter and deployer of these technologies, he argued that greater emphasis is needed on domestic AI development. He said strengthening local innovation capabilities will be critical to building a more self-sufficient technology ecosystem in the years ahead.
