Advancing India’s Future with AI: A Global Dialogue on Innovation and Regulation

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and economies worldwide, the challenge of balancing innovation with responsible regulation has never been more pressing. On February 25, 2025, Meridian International Center, in collaboration with the General Catalyst Institute (GCI), convened Advancing India’s Future with AI, a high-level discussion featuring policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts in Delhi, India. The panel included: Teresa Carlson, President, General Catalyst Institute (GCI), Meridian Trustee; Ambassador Arun Singh, Former Ambassador of India to the U.S.; Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum (IVLP Alumna); and Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy, Country Manager, India, Business Software Alliance (BSA).

This conversation explored the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of public-private partnerships, and the steps needed to ensure AI’s development remains ethical, secure, and beneficial for all. It also highlighted how venture capital can work alongside governments to foster AI-driven progress across key sectors such as healthcare, defense, manufacturing, and energy.

These Were the Top Takeaways from the Program:

1. India’s Role in AI Governance and Global Innovation

India is emerging as a key player in AI innovation and governance, leveraging its thriving technology ecosystem and government-backed digital initiatives. The government’s "wait and watch" approach ensures that AI policies are thoughtfully developed, allowing for stakeholder consultations and alignment with broader economic and security goals. With growing global investment in AI, India’s balanced regulatory stance offers a promising model for fostering responsible AI adoption while maintaining rapid technological advancement.

2. The Intersection of AI Regulation and Public-Private Partnerships

AI governance cannot be left solely to governments—collaboration with businesses and investors is crucial. The General Catalyst Institute (GCI) emphasized the importance of partnering with governments, public policy leaders, and entrepreneurs to drive AI innovation in a way that strengthens global resilience. Industry leaders called for self-regulation and voluntary AI safety standards, ensuring that companies proactively address risks before governments impose restrictive measures.

3. Data Sovereignty and the Global AI Landscape

Data sovereignty is an increasingly critical issue as governments seek to keep AI-generated data within their borders to enhance security and privacy. While this approach strengthens national control over sensitive data, it also presents challenges for global AI collaboration. The panel underscored the need for a balanced approach that protects data privacy while fostering cross-border AI development, ensuring AI’s potential can be fully realized in a globally connected economy.

4. The Shift from AI Safety to AI Capabilities

The global conversation around AI is shifting from risk mitigation to AI adoption and capabilities. While Europe has taken a more stringent regulatory approach—often seen as restrictive by AI companies—other regions, including the U.S. and India, are prioritizing policies that accelerate AI integration in business and government.

5. AI as a Tool for Economic Growth and Security

Governments are recognizing AI’s potential to transform public services, national security, and economic resilience. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is actively leveraging AI to drive digital transformation, boost infrastructure development, and enhance public sector efficiency. At the same time, panelists stressed that AI adoption must be accompanied by strong ethical and security considerations to prevent misuse, bias, and unintended consequences.

The Path Forward

As AI continues to evolve, collaboration between governments, businesses, and investors will be essential in shaping its future. The General Catalyst Institute’s innovative approach to aligning venture capital with public policy offers a promising model for ensuring that AI development supports societal progress while maintaining global security and ethical integrity. By fostering open dialogue and international cooperation, the global community can create a regulatory framework that enables AI to thrive responsibly.