Modi highlighted major government initiatives to equip workers with future-ready skills, calling preparation the best way to overcome fears surrounding automation.
BY PC Bureau
February 17, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed growing fears among young Indians that artificial intelligence could threaten employment, saying preparation, skill development, and innovation are the best safeguards against disruption. Speaking in an interview with ANI during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi emphasised that technological change historically transforms jobs rather than eliminating them entirely.
Acknowledging the anxiety caused by AI-driven automation and layoffs in some sectors, the Prime Minister said the nature of work will evolve, but new opportunities will emerge alongside it. “History shows that technology does not eliminate work — it changes its form and creates new kinds of jobs,” he said, adding that digital transformation will generate fresh employment avenues and strengthen India’s economy.
READ: Former Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah to Join BJP on Feb 2
Modi stressed that the government is prioritising large-scale skilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare India’s workforce for an AI-driven future. He described AI as a “force-multiplier” capable of enhancing human productivity and expanding technological capabilities, rather than replacing human effort. According to him, India is treating AI not as a distant challenge but as an immediate national priority.
He also highlighted India’s broader vision of becoming a global AI leader under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Prime Minister said India must move beyond being merely a consumer of technology and focus on developing its own AI platforms, products, and innovations. He outlined three core pillars for India’s AI strategy: technological sovereignty, inclusivity, and innovation.
Modi expressed confidence that India’s AI ecosystem — including startups, public services, and digital platforms — will create millions of high-quality jobs while serving global markets. He added that AI will be deployed to improve governance, deliver services efficiently, and empower citizens across linguistic and regional barriers.
At the same time, the Prime Minister acknowledged the risks associated with AI misuse, including deepfakes, cybercrime, and threats to vulnerable communities. He said India is strengthening regulatory safeguards, including updated IT rules requiring social media platforms to remove harmful content quickly and clearly label AI-generated material.
Reassuring young professionals, Modi emphasised that AI should be viewed as an enabler of opportunity rather than a threat. He said India’s goal is to ensure that artificial intelligence enhances human potential, creates new employment pathways, and positions the country as one of the world’s leading AI powers in the coming decades.
