India's youth driving advances in AI, space & deep tech: PM Narendra Modi

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India's youth powered the country's emergence as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and the third-largest startup ecosystem, while driving advances in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space technology and deep tech.

The PM was speaking after inaugurating the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre (Viveka Smaraka) in Mysuru. The centre commemorates Swami Vivekananda's visit to Mysuru in 1892 and aims to promote value-based education, leadership and personality development among young people.

"Digital solutions made in India are today inspiring many countries. India is rapidly moving forward on a new journey of semiconductor manufacturing and is writing new chapters in AI, deep tech, space technology and innovation," Modi said.


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Referring to India's growing private space sector, the PM said a privately built rocket developed by young entrepreneurs recently reached space, underscoring the capabilities of the country's youth.

"Youth are driving India's digital economy, building startups, creating jobs through Mudra loans and leading the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives," he said.

Education reforms

The PM said India's demographic dividend could be fully realised only if young people received quality education, opportunities and the confidence to pursue their aspirations.

He said the country significantly expanded its higher education infrastructure over the past 12 years, establishing more than 650 new universities, nearly 14,000 colleges and over 4,000 industrial training institutes.