Airtel Business CEO backs India’s AI regulation draft
Bharti Airtel’s enterprise arm, Airtel Business, has voiced strong support for the Indian government’s upcoming consultation paper on artificial‑intelligence (AI) regulation. Sharat Sinha, the company’s CEO, said the draft is a “step in the right direction” and will help create a framework that balances innovation with safety.
### A call for guardrails and human‑first principles
Sinha stressed that AI, like any technology, must be deployed with robust guardrails. “If you deploy artificial intelligence or AI agents with the right guardrails, and if your enterprise architecture is built so that they can be safely deployed, you can get all the essential productivity gains,” he told PTI. He added that the draft should focus on AI safety, deepfakes and a human‑first approach, echoing concerns raised by researchers and industry leaders about rogue AI agents slipping out of test environments.
### Airtel’s role in shaping the framework
The company will work closely with regulators and its customers to ensure compliance and to influence the final specifications. “We play a positive role in bringing out such specifications,” Sinha said. Airtel’s experience as a heavy user of AI in its own operations positions it to contribute practical insights into how businesses can safely adopt the technology.
### Digital infrastructure as the backbone of AI adoption
Sinha highlighted that AI adoption will drive demand for reliable digital infrastructure. Airtel plans to expand its cloud, cybersecurity, Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) and next‑generation connectivity services over the next three years. The company’s cybersecurity arm is already growing rapidly, extending beyond traditional security services to tackle emerging digital threats.
### Fraud prevention wins on Airtel’s network
Airtel has also leveraged AI for consumer‑facing security. The company launched a spam‑prevention solution slightly over a year ago, which it has built into a broader fraud‑prevention offering. According to Sinha, “frauds on Airtel’s telecom networks have dramatically decreased” since the launch of the spam‑prevention tool, underscoring the tangible benefits of AI‑driven security.
### What’s next for India’s AI policy?
Last week, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government will release the consultation paper in about a month. The draft will form the basis for future AI regulations, and the government has said it is time for India to have a formal framework. Airtel’s active participation in shaping this policy could influence how quickly and safely AI tools are adopted across the country.
Why it matters
India is one of the world’s fastest‑growing digital economies, with nearly half of global digital financial transactions occurring in the country via UPI. As AI tools become integral to business operations, a clear regulatory framework will help prevent misuse, protect consumers, and foster innovation. Airtel’s engagement signals that major telecom and technology players are ready to collaborate with regulators to build a safe AI ecosystem.
Context
The conversation around AI regulation has intensified globally, with governments grappling with how to balance innovation against risks such as deepfakes, privacy breaches and autonomous decision‑making. India’s draft consultation paper aims to address these concerns while encouraging productive use of AI.
What to watch
* Release of the consultation paper on AI regulation by the Indian government. * Airtel’s continued expansion of AI‑driven security solutions and their impact on fraud reduction. * Potential updates to Airtel’s cloud and cybersecurity offerings as the regulatory landscape evolves.
Airtel’s proactive stance may set a precedent for other Indian enterprises to engage in shaping AI policy, ensuring that the country’s digital transformation remains secure and inclusive.