This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
With your extensive background in law, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in the legal field, specifically in technology law? Was there a particular factor that influenced your decision, or did you gradually develop an interest over time?
My interest in law stemmed from an early fondness for social studies, particularly civics, during school. Recognising that a career in law would allow me to engage more deeply with the Indian Constitution, I chose to pursue it professionally. Although I was initially drawn to subjects like cyber law, I was uncertain about specialising in technology law at the time (2014), given its niche status.
Significant events such as the network neutrality debate and the landmark Shreya Singhal case in 2015 piqued my interest in the intersection of law and technology, prompting me to explore this emerging field more seriously. My selection for the LAMP Fellowship also proved to be critical. It offered the opportunity to engage with experts and mentors in the field and to work alongside like-minded professionals equally passionate about technology law.
Building on this foundation, I gained practical experience by working with an international non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing and protecting digital rights. I subsequently pursued a master’s degree with a specialisation in technology law, further deepening my expertise in the field.
How did your experiences at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law shape your approach to technology law and policy? What were the key takeaways from your time there, and what motivated you to pursue an LL.M. program with a specialization in Technology Laws?
After gaining practical experience in technology law, I recognised the need to deepen my understanding and adopt a global perspective, as the field was rapidly evolving in India. The University of California, Berkeley School of Law’s LL.M. program, with a specialisation in Technology Laws, stood out as an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal. Berkeley Law’s esteemed faculty and comprehensive curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, including Fundamentals of U.S. Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Privacy Law, Silicon Valley Antitrust, and Surveillance Law and Technology. Additionally, serving as an LL.M. representative for the Women in Technology Law initiative and contributing to the Berkeley Technology Law Journal provided valuable opportunities to build networks and gain deeper insights into the field.
These academic and professional engagements made my time at Berkeley Law truly transformative. It provided a strong foundation in U.S. law and the US court system, while the program’s diverse cohort and international exposure introduced me to a range of perspectives. This broadened my understanding of legal concepts and their complexities, highlighting the importance of developing adaptable, context-sensitive solutions. The program also emphasised interdisciplinary approaches, deepening my appreciation of the interplay between technology, law, and policy, and teaching me the value of collaboration and nuanced thinking in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Overall, the LL.M. program at Berkeley Law significantly strengthened my expertise in technology law and policy and prepared me to engage more thoughtfully and strategically within the field.
In the early stages of your career, you worked with PRS Legislative Research as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament (LAMP) Fellow. Could you elaborate on your experience and the challenges you encountered while working as a Legislative Assistant? What experiences during that time were pivotal in honing your understanding of technology laws?
My experience as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament (LAMP) Fellow at PRS Legislative Research was nothing short of extraordinary. The fellowship provided a unique opportunity to engage in the legislative process, working closely with my MP (Member of Parliament) on various issues. Key responsibilities included assessing and reviewing government schemes, framing parliamentary questions, preparing bill summaries, drafting private member’s bills, and crafting interventions for parliamentary discussions. I also provided research support on constituency-related issues, focusing on sectors such as Finance, Agriculture, Sports and Electronics and IT.
During the fellowship, one of the key challenges I faced was navigating the breadth and complexity of issues, particularly those with significant implications for the constituency. Navigating these complexities required a strong understanding of not just local concerns, but also broader policy developments. Recognising this, my MP encouraged me to go beyond desk research by engaging with experts, participating in multi-stakeholder consultations, and helping to formulate informed policy positions.
Participating in stakeholder consultations, particularly those organised by the telecom regulator, was instrumental in honing my skills and understanding as a technology policy professional. These experiences provided valuable first-hand exposure to the policymaking process and the complex considerations involved in regulating digital technologies.
Could you share your insights and experiences from your previous role as a Technology Policy Consultant with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India? How do you perceive India’s AI strategy in comparison to global AI governance frameworks? What distinctions or synergies have you observed between the two?
As a Technology Policy Consultant working at MeitY, I worked on key mandates such as India’s presidency at the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the IndiaAI Mission. I played a key role in India’s GPAI presidency, spearheading key initiatives and contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the GPAI Summit 2023 and the IndiaAI Summit 2024. In addition, I actively supported the IndiaAI Mission, contributing to its core pillars focused on strengthening India’s AI ecosystem.
These experiences provided valuable insights into global AI governance frameworks and India’s evolving approach to technology policy. In contrast to stricter regulatory models, such as that of the European Union which prioritises risk mitigation, transparency, and ethics, India has adopted a more balanced strategy — one that seeks to harness AI for public good, enhance public service delivery, and ensure the equitable distribution of its benefits. This vision is reflected in policy documents such as the National Strategy for AI and the report on AI Governance Guidelines Development. The mission also emphasises upskilling, promoting impactful AI applications across sectors like Agriculture, Healthcare, and Climate Change, and establishing safe and trusted AI practices through comprehensive frameworks and guidelines. While recognising potential risks, India has chosen to prioritise citizen education and foster responsible innovation, rather than imposing stringent controls that might inhibit growth.
Despite differences in regulatory emphasis, there is strong convergence between India’s approach and global frameworks in promoting human-centric AI, embedding ethical safeguards, and advancing AI for social good. This shared commitment positions India to contribute meaningfully to shaping a global, inclusive, and innovation-driven AI governance ecosystem.
Having previously worked with the government and civil society organizations, and now working as the Assistant Manager in Public Policy and Advocacy at InMobi, how do you approach your current role? What key differences have you noticed between this position and your previous ones? Additionally, what regulatory challenges do you perceive in India, and how do you envision these evolving over time?
Having previously worked with the government and civil society organisations, and now serving as an Assistant Manager – Public Policy and Advocacy at InMobi, I approach my current role with a focus on bridging perspectives across stakeholders. My earlier experiences equipped me with strong research skills and a deep understanding of the government’s objectives, particularly its emphasis on public interest and social impact. However, transitioning to a corporate environment required a strategic shift: understanding business priorities, anticipating regulatory risks, and proactively engaging to shape policy outcomes that enable responsible industry growth.
A key aspect of my current role is balancing regulatory compliance with the need for innovation and business growth. While I am familiar with the workings of government and civil society, I am actively building a deeper understanding of industry challenges to better align public policy objectives with sector-specific needs.
In terms of regulatory challenges, I see several critical areas emerging in India’s technology policy landscape, including AI regulation and liability frameworks, platform governance and digital competition, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, and the regulation of emerging technologies such as quantum computing and the metaverse. As these sectors evolve, sustained engagement between government, industry, and civil society will be crucial to developing agile, evidence-based regulations that balance public interest with India’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies.
With your vast expertise, what advice would you offer to aspiring lawyers and law students who wish to build a successful and impactful career in Public Policy and Advocacy? Are there specific resources, mentors, or strategies you would recommend for their professional development in today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape?
As a lawyer, you already hold a significant advantage when building a career in public policy and advocacy. Legal training provides a strong foundation by equipping you with the ability to read and interpret laws critically, understand the legislative process, and navigate regulatory frameworks with nuance. This inherent understanding positions you well to engage meaningfully with policy issues even before they take final shape as a legally binding statute.
One piece of advice I would offer is to pick an area of interest early on and start examining it through a policy lens — understanding its broader societal, economic, and regulatory implications. Doing so not only builds a multidisciplinary outlook, which is increasingly essential in public policy work, but also provides a clearer sense of direction for your professional growth. Additionally, start writing about your unique solutions to problems as you explore your area of interest, and hone your research and writing skills. This will help you develop a strong voice and perspective in the field.
There are numerous resources available today to help build a career in public policy. Platforms such as Public Policy India (PPI) and LinkedIn communities offer valuable guidance and list internship opportunities. I would also recommend signing up for newsletters from leading public policy institutes, consulting firms, and law firms, and listening to relevant podcasts to stay updated on sectoral developments. It is important to stay abreast of developments not only within your chosen sector but also across broader national and global trends, as policy is often shaped by larger socio-political contexts.
Finally, surround yourself with like-minded individuals and build a strong, supportive network. Being in an environment that encourages discussion, debate, and continuous learning can be just as critical as formal knowledge.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is often a challenge for legal professionals. How do you manage to balance the demands of your legal career with your personal life, ensuring both aspects thrive without one compromising the other?
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing journey, and one I am still navigating. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, I have found that prioritising tasks and optimising work hours are essential. This approach allows me to carve out time for my family, which I consider just as important as my career. I consciously strive to maintain this balance, recognising that both aspects are interdependent and crucial for overall well-being. It is a continuous effort, but one that’s worth making to ensure neither work nor personal life suffers at the expense of the other.
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