MeitY Sets Up Apex AI Governance Body AIGEG to Drive National Strategy

The group will be chaired by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Electronics & IT, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting), with Minister of State Shri Jitin Prasada serving as Vice Chairperson.

In a major institutional step toward shaping the future of artificial intelligence in India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG)—a high-level inter-ministerial body that will serve as the country’s central mechanism for AI governance, policy coordination, and strategic direction.

The move operationalises key recommendations outlined in India’s AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey, signalling a shift toward a structured, whole-of-government approach to managing the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

A Central Nodal Body for AI Governance

The AIGEG has been established as the apex institutional framework for AI governance in India, tasked with aligning policies, regulatory approaches, and implementation strategies across ministries, departments, and advisory bodies.

The group will be chaired by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Electronics & IT, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting), with Minister of State Shri Jitin Prasada serving as Vice Chairperson.

Its composition includes senior representatives from key sectors spanning:

• Policy and governance

• Science and technology

• Economic affairs

• Security and regulatory domains

This broad-based representation reflects the cross-sectoral impact of AI and the need for coordinated oversight.

Responding to Policy and Economic Imperatives

The creation of AIGEG directly addresses two critical institutional gaps identified in recent policy frameworks:

• The AI Governance Guidelines called for an inter-ministerial mechanism to ensure coherent and unified policy direction

• The Economic Survey highlighted the need for a coordinating authority to align AI deployment with labour market realities and social stability concerns

By integrating these recommendations, AIGEG is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that AI adoption in India is responsible, inclusive, and economically sustainable.

Ensuring a Whole-of-Government Approach

AIGEG’s mandate includes:

• Developing a national AI governance strategy

• Coordinating between ministries and regulators

• Aligning AI policies with economic, social, and security priorities

• Monitoring emerging risks and global developments

• Supporting innovation while ensuring ethical and safe AI deployment

This integrated approach is crucial as AI increasingly influences sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, governance, and national security.

Expert Advisory Through TPEC

To support its functioning, AIGEG will be assisted by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC)—a specialised advisory body comprising domain experts.

The TPEC will provide inputs on:

• Global AI trends and regulatory developments

• Emerging technologies and risks

• Ethical frameworks and governance models

• Innovation pathways and policy interventions

This dual-layered structure ensures that policymaking remains technically informed and globally aligned, while retaining a strong national focus.

Positioning India in the Global AI Landscape

The establishment of AIGEG comes at a time when countries worldwide are racing to define governance frameworks for AI, balancing innovation with regulation.

India’s approach—anchored in coordination, inclusivity, and economic alignment—positions it as a serious contender in shaping global AI norms, especially from the perspective of developing economies.

Balancing Innovation with Social Stability

A key distinguishing feature of AIGEG is its emphasis on economic and labour considerations, ensuring that AI deployment does not exacerbate inequality or disrupt employment without adequate safeguards.

By integrating governance with economic policy, the body aims to:

• Promote job creation and skill development

• Mitigate risks of automation-driven displacement

• Ensure equitable access to AI-driven growth

Towards a Future-Ready Digital India

With AI expected to contribute significantly to India’s GDP growth in the coming decade, the creation of AIGEG marks a decisive step toward building a robust, future-ready AI ecosystem.

By institutionalising coordination at the highest level, India is not just adopting AI—it is laying down the governance architecture to shape its trajectory responsibly and strategically.