New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday underscored the urgent need for strong regulatory frameworks in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to keep pace with its fast-moving innovations. Speaking at the launch of “AI for Viksit Bharat: The Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth” and the Frontier Tech Repository organised by NITI Aayog, she said AI is a “real-time, dynamic, and rapidly progressing” technology that cannot be left unchecked.
“Artificial Intelligence is not static. Regulation must run as fast as technology. We cannot afford to sit back on ethics,” Sitharaman said, stressing that policies must evolve simultaneously with AI’s advancements.
The minister highlighted India’s ability to absorb and apply AI for societal benefits. She said while technology is not free from limitations, it can serve the larger public good if harnessed responsibly. “AI should remain under our reins and be used to serve the common good,” she added.
Pointing to AI’s transformative potential, Sitharaman said the technology could address long-standing urban challenges and support the creation of new urban centres. “AI can provide in-situ solutions, enabling people to stay where they are while receiving the services they have awaited for decades,” she noted.
She also urged for AI-driven applications to be scaled across districts, ensuring widespread impact.
During the event, NITI Aayog launched two flagship initiatives under its Frontier Tech Hub— the AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap and the Frontier Tech Repository. Both initiatives aim to boost innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development as part of India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
