Introduction

• India aspires to become a global leader in AI governance.

• Its democratic ethos and digital infrastructure provide a strong foundation.

• However, this ambition is undermined by the absence of a comprehensive national AI strategy.

• The current IndiaAI Mission lacks democratic grounding and strategic clarity.

Strategy vs. Mission: Understanding the Difference

• Missions are meant to execute clear priorities.

• Strategies define national priorities, values, and institutional frameworks.

• India’s approach risks prioritising implementation over thoughtful planning.

 Strategic Risks of Moving Without a Strategy

a. Loss of Strategic Autonomy

• AI is embedded in defence, intelligence, and critical infrastructure.

• Without indigenous capabilities, India risks dependence on foreign technologies.

• Global geopolitical competition highlights the urgency of sovereignty in tech.

b. Opaque and Technocratic Governance

• Lack of public debate and oversight limits democratic legitimacy.

• Important decisions are being made without inclusive consultation.

 Critical Areas Where the Gap Is Visible

a. Employment and Labour Transition

• In 2024, top IT firms cut 65,000 jobs due to automation.

• IMF: 26% of Indian jobs exposed to generative AI, 12% at risk of displacement.

• Current AI programs do not address job transitions, social protections, or workforce reskilling.

• Labour economists and civil society are largely absent from policymaking.

b. Data Governance and Market Power

• Data is AI’s raw material.

• Public data platforms risk favouring large corporations without clear access rules.

• Need for transparent, democratically debated frameworks to avoid monopolies and protect trust.

c. Energy and Environmental Impact

• AI is energy-intensive; data centre demand expected to double by 2030 (IEA).

• Bengaluru, Hyderabad face severe water and power stress.

• National discussions on AI lack focus on sustainability and infrastructure stress.

d. Bias, Accountability, and Public Trust

• AI in healthcare, policing, and welfare can reinforce biases.

• Lack of clear regulation threatens public trust and human rights.

Democratic Legitimacy: The Missing Element

• AI will reshape:

  • Work and employment

  • Education and training

  • Economic distribution and opportunity

• These changes must involve all stakeholders:

  • Parliamentarians

  • Educators and civil society

  • Industry and labour representatives

• Leaving this to market forces or technocrats is inadequate.

 India’s Global AI Role: A Credibility Test

• India leads efforts in Global Partnership on AI (GPAI).

• But international leadership must be backed by domestic coherence.

• A transparent, inclusive strategy is key to global influence.

 What Should Be Done: A Three-Step Roadmap

1. Publish a National AI Strategy

• Cabinet-endorsed and tabled in Parliament.

• Should reflect national values, democratic input, and long-term vision.

2. Form a Parliamentary Standing Committee

• Oversight of AI-related missions and policies.

• Mandate to address ethical, employment, and security dimensions.

3. Commission an AI Employment Impact Study

• Map disruption by sector, demographic, and region.

• Focus especially on entry-level white-collar jobs.

• Use data to guide skilling and social safety initiatives.

Conclusion: Leadership Through Deliberation

• India must resist the urge for speed over strategy.

• Building consensus, creating institutional architecture, and involving all stakeholders will take time.

• But this difficult path will position India as a genuine, ethical, and strategic AI leader.

• In AI governance, strategy must precede mission — or the mission may fail the nation.