Marching Towards Global Leadership in AI
By Sanjeev Oak
India’s proactive embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) has underlined the transformative potential of this technology in reshaping employment and innovation landscapes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent emphasis on skilling as the key to navigating the AI age signals a clear policy direction—India intends not merely to participate in the AI revolution, but to lead it.
🗨️ “AI is not a job destroyer, but a creator of new opportunities. The fear around job loss is misplaced,” — PM Modi at the Global AI Summit in Paris
Addressing the Global AI Summit in Paris earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi dispelled fears surrounding AI-induced unemployment. Drawing parallels to the computer revolution, he noted that initial anxieties around computers stealing jobs were eventually proven unfounded—instead, India emerged as a global IT powerhouse. Likewise, AI is expected to open new employment avenues, not shut them down.
Workforce Evolution and Upskilling Imperatives
AI, though still in its infancy, is expected to require extensive human input for development and deployment—be it in building computing infrastructure or writing algorithms. As global demand for AI solutions surges, a shortage of skilled professionals remains a major bottleneck.
🗨️ “India’s engineers are looking at an enormous global opportunity. The need of the hour is targeted skill acquisition,” — Economic Affairs Report
A recent report suggests AI could generate up to 1.2 million new jobs in India in the near term. These roles are likely to focus on areas such as data analysis, machine learning, cloud computing, and human-machine interaction. AI will automate repetitive tasks while enabling more creative, analytical, and decision-making work for humans.
AI as a Growth Engine
AI’s integration is expected to trigger significant improvements in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and manufacturing. The Indian government is aligning this AI revolution with its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision by encouraging domestic AI module development.
🗨️ “India’s upcoming AI modules will be trustworthy alternatives to Chinese-made tools like DeepSeek,” — Technology Ministry Brief
India’s AI strategy contrasts sharply with China’s approach, particularly on issues of transparency and trust. The concern raised over China’s DeepSeek last week underscores the importance of ethical AI development and data sovereignty.
Global Cooperation and Ethical Guardrails
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in AI development, calling for unified ethical standards and usage frameworks to ensure that technology remains human-centric and inclusive.
🗨️ “We must prevent AI from becoming a tool of cybercrime or geopolitical manipulation,” — PM Modi
The development of global rules is especially crucial to ensure developing nations are not left behind and that they benefit equitably from AI advancements. Developed nations must play a role in extending support and resources to less affluent countries.
India’s Roadmap for AI Leadership
India has already laid the groundwork for AI expansion. The Union Budget includes special allocations for AI initiatives, and the National Artificial Intelligence Policy outlines a roadmap focused on research, development, skill-building, and entrepreneurship.
Through schemes like Skill India and Digital India, the government is enabling ordinary citizens to acquire AI-related capabilities. Academic and research institutions are being supported to innovate and improve upon existing technologies. Start-ups, too, are being nurtured through tailored policies and funding.
🗨️ “Data is the fuel for AI. India’s policies now prioritize responsible data access and governance,” — NITI Aayog Official
Data availability is seen as central to AI development. Accordingly, frameworks for data use and access have been laid down to ensure balance between innovation and privacy.
Political Dissonance
While the Centre’s international outreach aims at establishing India as a global AI leader, political opposition has taken a different stance. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent suggestion to deploy AI for demographic surveys was seen as a limited vision for such a powerful technology.
🗨️ “India is preparing to lead the world in AI, while some still see it as merely a bureaucratic tool.”
India’s AI ambition is clear. With a strong foundation in digital infrastructure, a vast talent pool, and a forward-thinking policy environment, the country is well positioned to assume global leadership in AI in the coming decade.