India Takes Charge in Global AI Standards
India is poised to enhance its influence in the realm of global artificial intelligence (AI) standards, as highlighted by Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. During the 15th Plenary meeting of the Technical Committee of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), she emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing AI technology responsibly, focusing on both global collaboration and national priorities. The event, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), attracted over 350 experts from 70 countries, marking a significant step in India’s AI journey.
Commitment to Responsible AI Development
Smt. Nidhi Khare underscored the Indian government’s dedication to developing AI technologies, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs), in a manner that aligns with both global standards and local needs. She stressed the importance of creating inclusive and adaptable national AI strategies that can effectively respond to the diverse contexts within India. This approach aims to ensure that AI technologies are not only innovative but also ethically sound and beneficial for all segments of society.
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, echoed these sentiments, highlighting India’s ongoing partnerships with key stakeholders in the AI sector. As a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), India is committed to promoting the concept of “AI for good and for all.” He emphasized the necessity of establishing robust standards for AI to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Global Collaboration and Future Initiatives
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is at the forefront of global efforts to standardize AI practices. The recent plenary meeting served as a platform for discussing critical aspects of AI, including foundational standards, data governance, and the trustworthiness of AI systems. Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS, announced the formation of sector-specific groups aimed at targeted AI standard development. He also mentioned the upcoming IEC General Meeting in India in September 2025, which will further solidify India’s role in global standardization efforts.
The week-long discussions at the plenary covered various topics, such as resilience assessment of AI systems and quality assurance in generative AI applications. These conversations are crucial for ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly and can be trusted by users worldwide.
Building Trust in AI Through Standards
On the sidelines of the plenary, BIS hosted an International Workshop focused on “Enabling Trust in Technology in the Age of LLMs and Generative AI.” During this workshop, Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary of MeitY and CEO of the IndiaAI Mission, emphasized the importance of building trust in AI through fairness, transparency, and accountability. He advocated for the establishment of standards that reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of India, ensuring that AI technologies are accessible and equitable for all citizens.
Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, also spoke on the necessity of creating internationally recognized standards that promote trust and security in AI. He highlighted the potential of AI to transform services, citing the AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline as an example of how AI can enhance grievance redressal processes.
India’s Role in Shaping Global AI Governance
The meetings and workshops held during the plenary underscored India’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global AI governance. As the national standards body, BIS represents India in international committees focused on developing standards that facilitate trade, ensure interoperability, and promote safety and reliability in AI systems. These standards are essential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a global economy that benefits all nations. With its proactive approach to AI standardization, India is not only positioning itself as a leader in the field but also ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared equitably across the globe.
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