India, Jan. 29 -- Calling data a strategic resource in the age of AI, the Economic Survey 2025-26 pitched a new framework to govern how Indian data is used, shared and monetised, without hurting startups and innovation.

The Survey, prepared by chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran's office and tabled by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament today, said India should allow data to move across borders but ensure that the value created from Indian data is not lost overseas.

At the same time, it said that smaller startups, research labs and firms building Indian or sovereign AI models should face lighter compliance so innovation is not stifled.

According to the Survey, India has over 100 Cr people with internet access,...