India's Ministry of Electronics and IT will publish a draft AI consultation paper in November, following industry talks and ahead of broader public feedback.
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will issue a consultation paper on artificial intelligence regulation in the coming weeks, likely early November, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at the NDTV World Summit 2026. The timeline aligns with an October 8 commitment at the World Development Report launch that MeitY would publish within a month Medianama.
The announcement ends months of speculation about when the world's most populous nation would formalize its approach to governing AI. Vaishnaw has previously signaled that a dedicated statute may be necessary, telling Press Trust of India in June that the 2000 Information Technology Act predates the consumer AI boom and may not suffice Medianama.
Officials have not confirmed which legal vehicle the draft will propose. The IT Act has already been used for certain AI-related directives, but Vaishnaw described the topic as "very complex" and acknowledged a new law could better address risks that did not exist two decades ago. The consultation paper itself is expected to lay out options rather than prescribe a final framework.
MeitY has already held preliminary discussions with technology companies. The upcoming consultation will expand to civil society, citizens, and a broader set of industry stakeholders, according to the minister. This two-track approach mirrors the government's recent practice on digital policy, where early industry input shapes a draft that then faces public scrutiny.
Vaishnaw outlined two competing global philosophies at the summit: one arguing that AI is too nascent for heavy regulation, another urging patience until the technology matures. He also referenced a "European thought" process, suggesting the EU's risk-based AI Act is on India's radar. The minister did not indicate which direction New Delhi favors.
The stakes are high for both domestic firms and multinational platforms. India's digital economy exceeds $1 trillion, and its regulatory choices often influence neighboring markets. A new law would require parliamentary approval, a process that can stretch beyond a single session, while IT Act amendments move faster but carry less democratic legitimacy.
For now, the November paper will be the first concrete artifact. Companies building or deploying AI in India should prepare to submit comments quickly; consultation windows in recent digital policy exercises have lasted as little as 21 days.
What happens after the consultation closes? The ministry could publish a revised draft, move straight to a bill, or issue executive rules under the IT Act. Each path carries different timelines and political calculus. The only certainty is that India will have a formal AI regulatory proposal on the table before the year ends.
FAQ
When will India release the draft AI consultation paper?
Early November 2026, based on the minister's one-month timeline from October 8.
Will India create a new AI law or use the existing IT Act?
Undecided. The minister has argued for a new law but the consultation paper may present both options.
Who has been consulted so far?
Technology industry representatives. Civil society and general public input comes next.
How long will the consultation period last?
Not specified. Recent Indian digital policy consultations have run 21 to 45 days.
