India writing new chapters in AI, semiconductors and space, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India's youth had 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 (AI), 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.


Referring to India's growing private space sector, the PM said a privately built rocket developed by young entrepreneurs had 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 gathering pace

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 had 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 (ITIs). The government has also set up nine Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and 13 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), while the number of MBBS seats has risen to nearly 1.4 lakh.

The PM said the National Education Policy (NEP) was aligning India's education system with the requirements of the 21st century. More than 14,000 PM Shri schools and over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have also been established to promote innovation and scientific temper among students.

He said reforms such as allowing engineering and medical education in Indian languages and opening military schools and the National Defence Academy to women were expanding access to opportunities.

Sports key to nation-building

Highlighting the government's focus on sports, the PM said initiatives such as the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Para Games and Winter Games were helping identify talent from villages and smaller towns while strengthening India's sporting ecosystem.

"Sports develop discipline, confidence and good health among youth. India's performance in international competitions is improving, our athletes are setting new records and our daughters are bringing glory to the nation," Modi said.