NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation from the historic Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, unveiled an ambitious plan to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill training to one crore (10 million) young Indians within the next year.
Speaking on Friday, August 15, 2026, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative potential of AI and its critical role in shaping India's future. The initiative aims to equip the nation's youth with the necessary capabilities to compete and lead on the global stage in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
India's Youth as Driving Force for AI Leadership
During his address, Prime Minister Modi underscored the central role of young people in India's journey towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' or developed nation. He stated, "Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to make an announcement for the youth of the country: We have resolved that in the coming one year, we will work to provide AI skill training to 1 crore youth, so that the youth of our nation possess the capability to lead the world in the domain of AI as well."
This announcement comes at a time when AI continues to reshape industries, workplaces, and the global technological landscape. The government's target of training 10 million youth is a strategic move to significantly expand India's pool of AI-skilled talent and prepare its workforce for an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Preparing for a Technology-Driven Future
Modi stressed that a skilled youth population is the primary driving force behind India's rapid advancement. The AI skill training initiative is designed to ensure that young Indians not only adapt to technological changes but also emerge as leaders in innovation and development within the AI sector.
The program is expected to foster a generation of proficient young Indians capable of contributing to and leading the world in AI. This strategic investment in AI education reflects India's broader vision to secure a prominent position in the global technology arena, leveraging its vast human capital.