On 10 February 2026, IGAP, in collaboration with Infiheal Healthtech, convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable titled “Trusted AI for Emotional Wellbeing: Pathways to Safe, Inclusive Adoption.” The discussion brought together clinicians, technologists, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and civil society representatives to examine the evolving role of AI in mental health.

Moderated by Soumya AK and Shachi Solanki, the session opened with a central question: as AI becomes part of the emotional infrastructure for millions, how can governance frameworks keep pace? Speakers included Dr. Mona Duggal (ICMR), Dr. Kalika Bali (Microsoft Research India), and representatives from AIIMS, WHO, UNICEF India, NITI Aayog, the MacArthur Foundation, and Indian startups. Discussions highlighted India’s dual reality of severe mental health workforce shortages alongside growing digital access and rapid chatbot adoption.

Key deliberations focused on risk classification, multilingual safety validation, crisis escalation protocols, sector-specific regulation, and the need for long-term, India-specific evidence. Participants emphasized clear guardrails, especially for minors, and stressed that AI should strengthen existing tele-mental health and public health systems rather than replace human care.

The roundtable concluded with a shared insight: AI in emotional wellbeing is neither inherently a solution nor a threat. Its impact will depend on clear problem framing, cross-sector collaboration, continuous evaluation, and governance that evolves alongside the technology.