Decoding India’s AI Governance Strategy and its Implications for the U.S.-India Bilateral Relationship

India is developing a unique approach to the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and is staking out a leadership role in multilateral dialogues on responsible AI. This paper reviews India’s available AI governance choices, as the country defines its regulatory model, and highlights their associated trade-offs. It also analyses these choices in light of the government’s national priorities, as well as India’s perceived advantages and weaknesses in various industries that might utilize AI systems. With this background, this paper examines how India’s current approach to AI governance may impact the trajectory of U.S.-India technology cooperation.