Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a plan to train 1 crore youth in artificial intelligence (AI) skills over the next year. The initiative aims to equip young Indians with the necessary expertise to participate in the growing AI sector. Modi made this announcement during a recent address highlighting the government's focus on technology and skill development, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com.
The training program will be implemented through various government and private sector collaborations, focusing on providing accessible AI education across the country. Modi emphasized the importance of AI in driving economic growth and innovation. The program is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital literacy and prepare the workforce for future technological challenges.
This large-scale AI skill development effort aligns with India's ambition to become a global technology hub. The move comes amid increasing demand for AI professionals worldwide and follows similar initiatives by other countries to boost their tech talent pools. By targeting 1 crore youth, the government aims to address the talent gap and support sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and services that increasingly rely on AI technologies.
The government has set a one-year timeline for the completion of this training initiative, aiming to create a substantial pool of AI-skilled professionals by mid-2027. This effort is expected to complement ongoing digital transformation projects and contribute to India's position in the global AI landscape.