India’s AI future can’t be built on copy-paste regulation, says Google’s Sachin Kakkar

During the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 20, Sachin Kakkar, Google's Engineering Site Director, emphasized the necessity of customized regulations for India's burgeoning artificial intelligence sector. In a thought-provoking panel discussion, Kakkar critiqued the practice of simply copying AI laws from other regions, such as the European Union and the United States, suggesting that this approach could hinder India's unique economic landscape. Kakkar highlighted the risks associated with imposing rigid international regulations on India's diverse society, which is characterized by significant linguistic variety and distinct challenges. He warned that adopting foreign standards without consideration of local needs might obstruct the growth of homegrown startups. To foster a more inclusive and effective regulatory environment, Kakkar advocated for a 'co-creation' model. This approach envisions collaboration between the government and local communities to develop standards that serve as facilitators rather than obstacles. "At the highest level, we need to bridge the AI divide by shifting from traditional regulatory transfers to collaborative efforts between developers and government," he stated. He further pointed out India's robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which includes systems like Aadhaar and UPI, as a unique foundation for secure AI implementation that sets the nation apart from others. By leveraging this infrastructure, India can create a nurturing environment for AI innovation, ensuring that regulations support rather than stifle growth.