India needs a dedicated cybersecurity law alongside AI regulation, criticizing the 2013 national cyber security policy and calling for an intersectional approach to protect critical information infrastructure.

Proposed creation of a National AI Accountability Authority to hold AI algorithms accountable and provide remedies for individuals harmed by AI, with a strong emphasis on data localisation to keep data within Indian jurisdiction.

Pavan Duggal argues India should craft a customized AI regulatory framework rather than copying global models, potentially setting a benchmark for the Global South.

The overarching goal is to balance regulation to safeguard citizens and national interests while enabling innovation, with industry players seeking clear, practical rules and strong cyber protections.

Industry voices, including Dr. Devesh Tyagi of NIXI, acknowledge rising cyber threats and support steps to safeguard cyberspace, including detecting fraudulent activity and strengthening infrastructure under guidance from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Tyagi reiterates the need for strengthened cybersecurity measures and proactive monitoring as digital growth accelerates, with NIXI operating under IT Ministry guidance to enhance domain safety and fraud detection.

Industry stakeholders stress rapid digital growth and the imperative for robust cybersecurity safeguards, with ongoing government direction to bolster domain safety and fraud detection.

The piece centers on pushing for robust AI-specific regulation in India that balances innovation with accountability and national security.

Duggal notes industry preference for minimal regulation to avoid stifling innovation, but cautions against laissez-faire approaches, advocating clear, enabling rules.

He argues for minimal yet clear regulation that fosters innovation while ensuring accountability, with some support for self-regulation but a warning against relying solely on market forces.

Duggal warns against both over-regulation and under-regulation, promoting a framework that is minimal, clear, and capable of protecting data sovereignty and consumers.

India has taken steps like hosting the India AI Summit and enacting IT rules, but these efforts are seen as insufficient without a dedicated legal framework and robust enforcement.