New Delhi [India], August 15 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to provide artificial intelligence (AI) skills training to 10 million young people within the next year positioning youth as a key force in India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi on India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi said rapid technological advances had made AI skills increasingly important for the country’s future.
“We have resolved to train 10 million youths in AI skills within the next year” Modi said, stressing that the programme would help Indian youth develop the ability to compete and lead globally in AI.
He also highlighted measures aimed at strengthening energy security needed for semiconductors, AI and data centres. Modi said the passage of a peaceful nuclear energy bill marked another step towards greater self-reliance.
The prime minister reviewed the government’s achievements over the past 12 years citing progress in manufacturing, textiles, defence, railways, connectivity, pharmaceuticals and start-ups.
He also claimed that 250 million people had moved out of poverty during the period.
Modi called on political parties to implement 33 percent reservation for women in state assemblies and the Lok Sabha describing greater participation as essential to building a developed India.
Before the address, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and received a guard of honour at the Red Fort. During the flag hoisting 21-gun salute was fired using an indigenous 105-mm light field gun.
