Trust Is the New Tech Currency: Nasscom VP on AI’s Future |

Updated: January 22, 2026 14:18

Image Source: WOWNEWS24X7

Nasscom Vice President of Public Policy, Ashish Aggarwal, emphasized that while technology is a powerful enabler, the future of AI success in India hinges on building a strong foundation of trust. Addressing governance challenges like deepfakes and digital frauds, he highlighted India’s calibrated approach to responsible AI.

At the Responsible Intelligence Confluence (RICON) 2026 in New Delhi, Ashish Aggarwal, Vice President of Public Policy at Nasscom, underscored that trust will be the bedrock of AI’s future success in India. Speaking on January 22, 2026, at 11:13 AM IST, Aggarwal described technology as a great enabler, but cautioned that its benefits can only be fully realized if governance frameworks prioritize safety, accountability, and transparency.

Key highlights from his remarks:

Calibrated governance approach: India is adopting a measured strategy to tackle deepfakes, digital frauds, and user harms, ensuring innovation is balanced with safeguards.
AI as a solution: Aggarwal noted that AI itself can be leveraged to minimize risks, deploying intelligent guardrails to detect and prevent misuse.
Trust as foundation: He stressed that public trust in AI systems will determine the sustainability of technological adoption, especially in a diverse country like India.
Global alignment: India’s governance efforts are being shaped to align with international best practices, while tailoring solutions to local challenges.
Industry collaboration: Nasscom is working closely with government, civil society, and industry leaders to build frameworks that encourage responsible innovation.

Aggarwal’s comments come at a time when AI adoption in India is accelerating, with applications spanning healthcare, finance, education, and governance. However, the rise of synthetic media and fraud risks has amplified calls for stronger oversight. By emphasizing trust, Nasscom is signaling that long-term success depends not just on technological capability, but on ethical deployment.

The RICON 2026 forum, organized by the Nasscom Responsible AI Hub, convened policymakers, CXOs, researchers, and civil society voices to deliberate on trustworthy AI frameworks. Discussions centered on how India can enable innovation while safeguarding public confidence, positioning the country as a global leader in responsible AI.

Aggarwal concluded by reiterating that responsible AI governance is not a constraint but an enabler, ensuring that technology continues to empower society without eroding trust.

Sources: Mint, PTI, Rediff Moneynews, Nasscom RICON 2026

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