A high-level Parliamentary panel has recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to curb illegal immigration and strengthen digital security systems, noting the absence of any formal data-sharing arrangements with other countries on the issue.The recommendation came after Home Ministry officials informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT that the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) is not currently using AI in immigration processes.The panel had sought details on whether AI was being used to identify suspicious or high-risk travellers, including individuals wanted for crimes abroad but not listed with Interpol, and whether India had data-sharing collaborations with international agencies beyond Interpol.In response, officials said under the next phase of the Mission Mode Project — Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT 3.0), launched on April 1 — the government plans a comprehensive overhaul of India’s immigration and traveller management systems.The upgraded system is expected to leverage AI and machine learning for intelligent traveller profiling, while also exploring blockchain technology to enhance the security and authenticity of digital records.Officials also acknowledged that India’s legal and regulatory framework is still evolving to address challenges arising from the growing use of AI, particularly in areas related to national security, data protection and citizen privacy.