IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI Hosts Two-Day Conclave on ‘Safe and Trusted AI’
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) through its Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI). On December 10th and 11th, 2025, the Centre hosted a two-day conclave focused on the theme of ‘Safe and Trusted AI’. This event aimed to foster discussions among various stakeholders about the importance of safety, reliability, and trustworthiness in AI systems.
Objectives of the Conclave
The primary goal of the conclave was to advance discussions on AI safety and governance, particularly for the Global South. It brought together senior leaders from government, industry, academia, civil society, and global AI institutions. The discussions centered around creating an ‘AI Safety Commons’, which is envisioned as a collaborative ecosystem of resources aimed at enhancing AI governance guidelines.
Inauguration of the Conclave
The conclave was inaugurated by Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions, and Commerce of Tamil Nadu. He was joined by key figures including Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI).
Keynote Address by Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa
During his address, Dr. Rajaa emphasized the importance of policy interventions to ensure the development of effective AI systems that serve the people. He stated, “We have to discuss the policy interventions for us to ensure good AI systems for our people. I am sure this working group will add great value to the main summit. Tamil Nadu’s vision is to become AI-first.”
He further highlighted the need for ethical AI policies, asserting that technology becomes powerful and ethical only when it benefits everyone. “When it excludes anyone, it does not have its power explored,” he added.
Insights from Prof. V. Kamakoti
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, also shared his insights on the pervasive nature of AI in everyday life. He noted, “AI has reached a stage where it is becoming more and more pervasive into everyone’s life. And we are tasking the AI to help in many of the intricate activities, including suggestions for health, suggestions for education.”
He stressed the importance of addressing the implications of AI on the economy and daily life, stating, “Safe and trusted AI becomes extremely crucial.”
Scientific Keynote Address
Prof. Sriraam Natarajan from the University of Texas at Dallas delivered the Scientific Keynote Address, contributing to the depth of discussions on AI safety and governance.
Global Collaboration and Future Initiatives
Shri Mohammad Y Safirulla, Director of the IndiaAI Mission from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), emphasized the importance of a people-centric approach in AI governance. He stated, “As we move toward the India AI Impact Summit 2026, it is important to recognise that this initiative has been designed with a clear and people-centric purpose.”
He highlighted the collaborative nature of the conclave, which involved experts from 112 countries and international organizations. This makes it one of the most globally representative efforts in AI governance.
Building on Global Momentum
The conclave built upon the global momentum established by previous summits, including the UK AI Safety Summit, AI Seoul Summit, France AI Action Summit, and the Global AI Summit on Africa. The discussions held during the conclave are expected to contribute significantly to the preparatory activities for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.
Conclusion
The two-day conclave on ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of AI governance. As AI continues to evolve and impact various aspects of life, the insights and guidelines developed during this conclave will play a crucial role in shaping an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and discussions that took place during the conclave hosted by IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI.
