Quick Take
- IndiaAI selects 5 projects from over 400 proposals for the ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ initiative.
- Focus areas include deepfake detection and AI bias mitigation.
- Leading institutions like IIT Jodhour, IIT Madras, and IIT Kharagpur are involved.
- The initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign AI technologies.
- Projects target real-time voice detection and agricultural AI bias.
India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT has picked five critical projects under its ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ initiative. The move represents a major step toward building secure AI infrastructure across the country. Officials evaluated over 400 expressions of interest from academic institutions, civil society groups, and tech organizations through a multi-stakeholder technical committee.
The initiative tackles two pressing challenges facing AI adoption: deepfake proliferation and algorithmic bias. These selected projects show India’s push to develop homegrown solutions rather than depending on foreign AI technologies.
Deepfake Detection Framework
The flagship initiative includes the Saakshya framework for deepfake governance, developed jointly by IIT Jodhpur and IIT Madras. This project addresses the rising threat of synthetic media manipulation that has grown increasingly sophisticated and accessible.
Supporting this work, IIT Mandi partnered with Himachal Pradesh’s Directorate of Forensic Services to create AI Vishleshak, which specifically targets visual forgery detection. Meanwhile, IIT Kharagpur focuses on real-time voice deepfake detection, tackling audio manipulation threats.
Bias Mitigation Initiatives
To address AI fairness concerns, Digital Futures Lab collaborates with Karya to examine gender bias in agricultural AI models. This project recognizes that AI systems trained on biased data can perpetuate discrimination, particularly affecting women farmers in rural communities.
Globals ITES, working alongside IIIT Dharwad, develops the Anvil tool designed to stress-test AI safety protocols and identify potential bias vulnerabilities before deployment.
Building AI Trust Infrastructure
These projects form part of IndiaAI’s broader mission to democratize artificial intelligence while ensuring ethical application across sectors. The initiative emphasizes creating transparent, robust AI systems that benefit society while establishing India as a global leader in responsible AI development.
The selection process reflects India’s systematic approach to AI governance. Technical committees evaluated proposals based on innovation potential, societal impact, and alignment with national AI strategy. This careful evaluation of hundreds of proposals demonstrates the government’s commitment to evidence-based AI policy.
Market Implications
The focus on indigenous AI development signals India’s intent to reduce technological dependence while building competitive advantages in AI safety and ethics. As global regulators increasingly scrutinize AI deployment, India’s proactive approach positions the country as a leader in responsible AI governance.
These initiatives also create opportunities for Indian institutions and companies to develop expertise in AI safety. This could lead to export opportunities as other nations seek similar solutions. The involvement of premier institutions like IITs ensures high-quality research output with practical applications.
The ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ program represents a foundation for India’s vision of AI that serves societal needs while maintaining ethical standards. It establishes the groundwork for a responsible AI ecosystem that could influence global AI development practices.
