India AI Action Summit 2025: Championing Inclusive Global AI Governance

Introduction

India is fast becoming a pivotal player in the global discourse on artificial intelligence. With the launch of the AI Action Summit 2025, the Indian government has initiated a strategic move to build a policy ecosystem that reflects not just technological advancement but also social inclusivity and equitable governance.

This groundbreaking summit invites public participation until June 30, 2025, offering a democratic and globally relevant platform for reshaping AI governance.

At a time when AI regulations are largely steered by Western powers, India's summit sets the stage for the Global Majority—developing nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America—to actively participate in setting rules that will govern AI's trajectory in the 21st century.

The Summit's Core Objectives

• Public Participation: Input from academia, industry, civil society, and citizens.
• Inclusive Governance: Representation from the Global Majority to balance the global narrative.
• Strategic Policymaking: Ethical, transparent, inclusive frameworks reflecting diverse contexts.

Key Themes of AI Action Summit 2025

1. Ethical AI Development

• Addressing algorithmic bias
• Promoting fairness in AI decision-making
• Ensuring cultural sensitivity in AI tools

2. Data Governance

• Advocating for localized data control
• Strengthening data privacy laws
• Introducing consent frameworks

3. AI for Public Good

• Agriculture, education, and healthcare
• Disaster prediction tools
• Smart infrastructure systems

4. Equitable Access and Capacity Building

• Bridging AI literacy gap
• Affordable access in rural areas
• Supporting entrepreneurship beyond metros

Impact Across Indian States

India as the Voice of the Global Majority

India’s initiative represents a crucial shift. Most AI frameworks are Western-made, but India is pushing for policies that include:

• Voices from infrastructure-challenged countries
• Indigenous communities and minorities
• Region-specific challenges like coastal climate adaptation

Role of Startups, Academia, and Civil Society

• Startups: Shape frameworks affecting innovation
• Academia: Contribute ethical AI research
• NGOs: Ensure vulnerable communities are included