IIT Madras, IndiaAI Mission to Host Global Conclave on Safe & Trusted AI
On December 9, 2025, it was announced that the IndiaAI Mission, in collaboration with the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), is set to host a significant Pre-Summit Event in Chennai on December 11, 2025. This event is a precursor to the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held from February 15 to 20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Event Overview
The Pre-Summit Event aims to advance India’s vision for a safe, trusted, and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to ensure that AI technologies are developed and implemented responsibly.
Inauguration and Key Participants
The event will commence with a formal inauguration on the evening of December 10, followed by a full day of discussions and activities on December 11. Distinguished leaders expected to attend include:
- Thiru Dr. TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu
- Prof. Kamakoti V., Director, IIT Madras
- Sriraam Natarajan, Professor, University of Texas at Dallas
- Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Professor & Head, WSAI, IIT Madras, and Chair of the Safe & Trusted AI Working Group
In addition, senior officials from MeitY and various national and international experts from industry, academia, civil society, and government will be present.
Focus Areas of the Conclave
The conclave will address critical issues surrounding AI safety and governance. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into both public and private sectors, concerns regarding fairness, accountability, and potential misuse have intensified. The event aims to establish scalable and enforceable frameworks that are suitable for diverse global contexts.
Safe & Trusted AI Working Group
The Safe & Trusted AI Working Group, led by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical principles of AI safety and practical implementation. The goal is to create an ecosystem that emphasizes transparency, reliability, and public trust, ensuring that innovation progresses responsibly while the benefits of AI are equitably distributed.
Key Activities and Discussions
The conclave will feature a variety of activities designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among participants:
- Keynote Speeches: Renowned experts will share insights on the current state of AI and its implications for society.
- Expert Panels: Panels will discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing AI safety and governance.
- Working Sessions: Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to develop actionable strategies for AI governance.
One of the primary objectives is to explore the establishment of an AI Safety Commons for the Global South. This initiative aims to create shared datasets, benchmarks, and governance resources that facilitate safer and more reliable AI development.
Translating Principles into Practice
Another significant focus of the conclave will be on translating responsible AI principles into practical governance and regulatory models. These models must be adaptable to various cultural, legal, and technological contexts, ensuring that they are effective and relevant across different regions.
Cross-Border Collaboration
The conclave aims to foster cross-border collaboration by bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. This collaborative approach is essential for building capacity and supporting AI frameworks that are globally interoperable yet locally grounded and scalable.
Impact on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026
The insights and consensus that emerge from the discussions at the Pre-Summit Event will directly inform the vision, roadmap, and outcomes of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. This summit represents a crucial opportunity for India to solidify its leadership role in shaping a global AI ecosystem that prioritizes trust, safety, and inclusion.
Conclusion
The upcoming conclave hosted by IIT Madras and the IndiaAI Mission is a pivotal step towards addressing the pressing challenges associated with AI governance and safety. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering meaningful discussions, the event aims to lay the groundwork for a more responsible and inclusive AI future.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 9, 2025, and aims to provide an overview of the upcoming events related to AI governance and safety.
