Modi Announces Massive AI Training
Key Highlights:
- India plans to provide AI skills training to one crore youth.
- The programme is expected to roll out over the next year.
- PM Modi called for India to become a global innovation hub.
- Emerging technologies highlighted include AI, quantum computing, robotics and space.
- India is targeting 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
- The government also emphasised 6G, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major artificial intelligence skilling initiative under which one crore Indian youth will receive AI skills training over the next one year.
Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, Modi placed technology and innovation at the centre of India’s long-term development strategy and called for the country to become a global hub for innovation.
He highlighted rapid developments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technology, robotics and data centres, saying these emerging areas are creating new opportunities for India.
The Prime Minister said India should not remain merely a market for global technology companies but should develop the capabilities needed to lead in innovation.
He also pointed to India’s experience with UPI and digital public infrastructure as examples of the country’s technological capabilities.
Modi said India must lead in next-generation communication technology, including the development and adoption of Made-in-India 6G technology.
A major focus of his address was preparing India’s young population for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. The government plans to provide AI skills training to one crore youth over the coming year.
The Prime Minister also linked India’s technology ambitions with energy security. He said chips, AI systems and data centres require large amounts of electricity and identified nuclear power as an important component of India’s future energy strategy.
India is targeting 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and plans to commission five new nuclear reactors during the current decade.
Cybersecurity was another area highlighted in the address. Modi said the growing dependence on digital infrastructure has made cybersecurity a concern for households as well as businesses and governments.
He also spoke about India’s defence capabilities, changing patterns of warfare and the country’s increasing defence exports.
The government is seeking to encourage young Indians to engage with technology from an early age through initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs and the country’s growing startup ecosystem.
The announcement comes as India seeks to expand its technology workforce and position itself as a major global participant in the rapidly developing AI economy.
