Speaking at Mumbai Tech Week, he outlined the government’s approach to fostering innovation while ensuring necessary safeguards.
“The assumption was that the US had everything when it came to cutting-edge AI,” Chandrasekhar said, adding that newer advancements—particularly after the rise of AI models like DeepSeek—challenge that notion.
On the regulatory front, he dismissed the idea of European-style heavy-handed regulations, instead advocating for a balanced approach where innovation and guardrails coexist. “Guardrails can’t be regulation like in Europe. We don’t have to choose between citizen rights and innovation—the Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a shining example of that,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the government’s growing investments in semiconductors and AI, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is prioritising talent development by funding research institutes and deep-tech initiatives.
“We are in the most exciting phase in contemporary history,” Chandrasekhar said, positioning India as a major player in global technology and AI development.
