The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently closed applications for the Director position at the IndiaAI Safety Institute, a new entity aimed at assessing AI risks and advising on policies to ensure safe and trustworthy AI development in India.
- IndiaAI Safety Institute to lead AI risk evaluation and policy advice
- Director position requires 20+ years of AI or technology policy experience
- Position part of the IndiaAI Mission’s Safe & Trusted AI Pillar
What happened
In May 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Digital India Corporation published a job advertisement for the Director of the IndiaAI Safety Institute. The role was offered on a contract basis and based in New Delhi, with applications closing in early June 2026. This recruitment highlights India's efforts to build an institutional framework to address AI safety and governance challenges.
The IndiaAI Safety Institute is a key component of the IndiaAI Mission, envisioned under the AI Governance Guidelines released in November 2025. Its main mandate includes testing AI systems for potential risks and advising government bodies on implementing AI safety policies.
Why it matters
India’s rapid adoption of AI technologies necessitates robust mechanisms to ensure their safe and ethical deployment. Establishing the IndiaAI Safety Institute signals a strategic move by the government to proactively manage AI risks and create trust in emerging technologies.
The Director position’s requirement for deep experience—over 20 years in AI research or policy and a proven leadership track record—illustrates the high priority India places on integrating expert knowledge into AI governance frameworks. This also aligns with India’s broader plans to introduce AI-specific regulations through upcoming stakeholder consultations.
What to watch next
The appointment of the IndiaAI Safety Institute’s Director will be closely monitored as a critical step toward operationalizing the Safe & Trusted AI Pillar of IndiaAI. This role will shape the Institute’s research priorities and engagement with policymakers in the coming years.
Stakeholders should look for further government announcements on AI regulatory developments and the Institute’s initial activities around AI risk testing and evaluation. How the Institute collaborates with ongoing Responsible AI research projects selected under IndiaAI will also provide insights into India’s evolving AI governance ecosystem.