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India Aims to Be AI Powerhouse, Prioritizes Ethics

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 23:38 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: INDIA, UNITED STATES

New Delhi, February 21, 2026 - Today, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) convened a landmark roundtable discussion with the CEOs of the world's leading artificial intelligence companies, signaling India's ambitious drive to become a global powerhouse in AI while prioritizing ethical considerations and societal benefit. The meeting, a pivotal moment in the nation's technological trajectory, brought together industry titans from DeepMind, OpenAI, Nvidia, Anthropic, along with key figures from Indian technology firms and leading academic institutions.

Prime Minister Modi, participating remotely, delivered a powerful message emphasizing that India's pursuit of AI isn't solely about technological prowess, but fundamentally about harnessing the technology for the betterment of all humankind. "India's AI journey is not just about technological advancement; it's about ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity," the Prime Minister stated. "We need to build AI systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable." This declaration sets the tone for a national AI strategy deeply rooted in responsible innovation.

The roundtable wasn't simply a discussion of technological possibilities; it was a focused exploration of the complex challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly advancing AI. Discussions gravitated towards the critical need for robust data governance frameworks, stringent AI safety protocols, and the establishment of universally understood ethical guidelines governing the entire lifecycle of AI development and deployment. Several speakers underscored the pressing issue of algorithmic bias - the potential for AI systems to perpetuate and even amplify existing societal inequalities - and the imperative to mitigate these risks through careful design and ongoing monitoring.

One of the most consistently emphasized themes was the vital importance of workforce development. The impending AI revolution necessitates a massive upskilling and reskilling initiative to prepare the Indian workforce for the jobs of the future, and to mitigate potential job displacement caused by automation. CEOs voiced strong support for collaborative efforts between Indian educational institutions and global AI companies to create specialized training programs tailored to the evolving needs of the AI-driven economy. The goal is not simply to create a workforce capable of using AI, but one capable of building and innovating within the field.

Satya Sharma, CEO of DeepMind, highlighted India's unique strengths in this arena. "India possesses a unique combination of talent, data, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, making it an ideal hub for AI innovation," she noted. "However, it's crucial to address the challenges related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job displacement." Sharma's comments reflect a broader consensus that while India is exceptionally well-positioned to benefit from AI, proactive measures are required to navigate the potential pitfalls.

Responding to the concerns raised during the roundtable, the PMO announced the immediate establishment of a National AI Ethics Council. This council will serve as the central body responsible for formulating and implementing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment across all sectors. The Council's mandate extends beyond mere rule-making; it will actively monitor the societal impact of AI, fostering dialogue between industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to AI governance.

The formation of this council signifies a commitment to a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to AI ethics. It acknowledges that ethical considerations are not an afterthought, but an integral part of the AI innovation process. The council will likely focus on issues such as data anonymization, explainable AI (XAI), and the development of AI systems that prioritize human well-being.

Beyond ethics and workforce development, the roundtable also touched on the critical infrastructure needed to support a thriving AI ecosystem. This includes investment in high-performance computing resources, data storage facilities, and robust cybersecurity measures. The government also signaled its intention to create a favorable regulatory environment that encourages AI innovation while safeguarding public interests.

The roundtable concluded with a unified commitment to continued collaboration and a shared vision for India to emerge as a responsible and impactful leader in the global AI landscape. The PMO has promised to release a detailed roadmap in the coming weeks outlining specific initiatives, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward achieving these goals. This roadmap is expected to address key areas such as AI research and development, data infrastructure, ethical guidelines, and workforce development. The emphasis on transparency and accountability suggests a national AI strategy built on trust and collaboration, rather than top-down control.