India Opens Call for Partners to Build Safe & Trusted AI Ecosystem

As the world races to embrace artificial intelligence, one question echoes louder than ever: How do we make AI safe, trustworthy, and aligned with human values? India, through its flagship IndiaAI Mission, may have just taken a bold step in answering that.

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, challenging traditional systems, and raising concerns around ethics and safety, India is taking a proactive stand. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced a landmark initiative under its IndiaAI Mission — a Call for Partnerships with the newly formed IndiaAI Safety Institute (AISI).

This isn’t just another government project. It’s a strategic move to place India at the forefront of global conversations on AI safety, regulation, and innovation. Through this call, the government is inviting the country’s sharpest minds and most dynamic institutions — from academia and industry to startups and state agencies — to join hands in shaping an AI future that is safe, inclusive, and innovation-led.

Why the Safety of AI is a National Priority Now

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a technological trend. From powering financial tools and healthcare diagnostics to influencing what we watch and read online, AI has become deeply embedded in our daily lives. But with great power comes great responsibility — and risk.

Unregulated or poorly designed AI systems can reinforce biases, threaten data privacy, and even become a national security concern. India, home to the world’s largest youth population and a burgeoning tech ecosystem, has a unique responsibility — and opportunity — to lead by example.

This is where the IndiaAI Safety Institute (AISI) comes in. Envisioned as a cornerstone of India’s AI governance framework, the institute will be the central hub for research, regulation, testing, and collaborations around Safe and Trusted AI. And it’s not working alone.

Building a National Ecosystem for Safe and Responsible AI

Through this call for partnerships, the IndiaAI Mission is laying the foundation for a decentralized yet unified ecosystem of AI safety efforts. MeitY is now welcoming Expressions of Interest (EoI) from a wide range of eligible entities, including:

• Academic and research institutions

• Startups and tech firms

• Industry leaders

• Autonomous bodies and government departments

• Legal and governance think tanks

This network will work in sync with the AISI to conduct research, set safety benchmarks, test AI models, and build capacity — all tailored to India’s unique socio-economic and technological landscape.

What the IndiaAI Safety Institute Aims to Achieve

The mission of AISI is both ambitious and necessary. Here are its core objectives:

• Establish India-specific AI safety principles: Going beyond global templates, the aim is to frame AI governance in the Indian context.

• Develop indigenous tools to tackle AI risks: From model bias to hallucination, the institute will focus on real-world risks AI poses in India.

• Form legal, ethical, and governance frameworks: AISI will help frame policies that are not just technologically sound but socially responsible.

• Build bridges between government, academia, and startups: Encouraging innovation while maintaining checks and balances.

• Promote transparency and accountability: Especially critical as generative AI and LLMs become more mainstream.

• Collaborate globally: India intends to lead with responsibility on the world stage, contributing to the global dialogue on AI safety.

What’s in it for Startups and Innovators?

For Indian startups, especially those in the AI, deeptech, and SaaS space, this is a golden opportunity.

Not only can they contribute to high-impact public sector projects, but they can also shape the regulatory future of AI in India — a future they’ll be navigating themselves. Participating startups can gain credibility, collaborate with top researchers and government bodies, and co-create tools, datasets, and benchmarks that define safe AI for billions.

What Are the Areas of Collaboration?

Selected partners will be expected to create dedicated IndiaAI Safety Cells and work on themes including:

• AI Safety Research

• Legal and Ethical AI Governance

• Data Quality and Metadata Standards

• Capacity Building and Public Awareness

• AI Development Frameworks and Tools

• Testing, Evaluation, and Benchmarking of AI Systems

• AI Metrology and Red-Teaming Exercises

In short, this isn’t just about writing reports or holding seminars — it’s about hands-on innovation, policy shaping, and tech governance.

Eligibility and Expectations

Interested entities must meet the following criteria:

• Be a registered Indian legal entity or a recognized academic/research institution.

• Have established infrastructure and domain expertise in AI.

• Not be blacklisted or involved in any legal proceedings that could hinder project delivery.

• Private institutions must be accredited by AICTE or NAAC.

Additionally, selected applicants must:

• Form a dedicated AI Safety Cell, led by an expert with over 10 years of AI experience.

• Include at least three technical staff, with one person stationed at MeitY in New Delhi.

• Support at least 50% of the total project cost from their own resources.

How to Apply

• Deadline: June 9, 2025 (11:59 PM IST)

• Mode: Submit a complete Expression of Interest (EoI) via the designated webform

• Length: Maximum of 20 pages

• Joint Proposals: Allowed with clearly defined institutional roles

• Restrictions: IndiaAI funds cannot be used for hardware purchases; limits apply to overheads and travel

For more details and submission guidelines, applicants can refer to the official PDF document or reach out to: fellow1.gpai-india@meity.gov.in

A Call to Action for India’s AI Future

This initiative isn’t just about safety — it’s about leadership. Through the IndiaAI Safety Institute and its collaborative framework, India is striving to build a secure, inclusive, and future-ready AI ecosystem that the world can look up to.

In its announcement, the IndiaAI Mission urged all stakeholders — researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers — to join in building a future where AI serves humanity, not the other way around.

“Let’s co-create an AI future that is safe, inclusive, and innovation-driven,” the mission declared.

And for those in India’s thriving startup ecosystem, the message is clear — the future of AI isn't just about building smarter machines, it's about building responsible, ethical, and human-first intelligence. This is your moment to be a part of that journey.