MeitY Secretary Calls for Balanced AI Policy as 2026 Budget Boosts Tech Funding

MeitY Secretary warned that AI carries an existential risk, yet stressed that India must harness its productivity benefits, calling for balanced regulation and responsible research to protect society and societal resilience while driving economic growth.

2026 Budget announced a major boost for AI and emerging technologies, earmarking increased funding for research, start‑ups and infrastructure, signaling the government’s intent to position India as a global AI hub over the next five years.

Big Tech firms are responding, with senior officials noting a surge of investment into Indian AI projects, attracted by the new incentives and the country’s large talent pool, according to a CNBC interview and expect to create thousands of jobs.

Digital India platform released a press statement outlining a policy framework that includes safety guidelines, research grants, and university collaborations to manage AI risks while accelerating digital transformation across public services and improve citizen access to health and education services.