Towards AI sovereignty: The good, the bad, and the ugly of AI policy in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23962/ajic.i35.21263Keywords:
artificial intelligence (AI), AI sovereignty, India, policy, computational capacity, data protection, connectivity, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountabilityAbstract
India’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) policy reflects a mix of ambition, creativity, and inconsistency. While the country has made significant strides in areas such as computational capacity, data protection fundamentals, and connectivity, its AI sovereignty efforts are hampered by a lack of strategic coherence, inadequate cybersecurity, and an absence of algorithmic-accountability legislation. This article evaluates India’s AI policy through the lens of the key AI sovereignty enablers (KASE) framework (Belli, 2023; CyberBRICS, 2024), highlighting positive precursors, opportunities for improvement, and fundamental shortcomings of the Indian approach. It argues that India’s reactive and fragmented policymaking, coupled with frequent shifts in direction, undermines its potential to achieve AI sovereignty. The article concludes with recommendations for a more cohesive and forward-looking AI strategy that aligns with India’s long- term interests.
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