Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, ‘AI, technology and innovation will drive India’s growth story’

Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Image/File pic

Putting light on the need for AI advancement and pushing towards enhanced technology in India, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation will be the driving forces of India's growth story.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the 58th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi, also congratulated the graduating class of 2025. During his address at the IIFT, Piyush Goyal also urged the students to harness their skills, agility, and vision to lead the country towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal underlined the role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving India's growth story, pointing out the transformative potential of AI, robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, and innovation across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Clubbed with India's large pool of 2.3 million STEM graduates every year, Piyush Goyal said, "These advancements can reduce dependence on foreign technology and empower industries and services while uplifting those at the bottom of the pyramid," as cited by news agency IANS.

Recounting his experience of running a skill development centre in Mumbai with the CII, the NSDC, Kyndryl, and IBM, the minister also showed how students from modest backgrounds quickly adapted to new-age technologies. He also asserted that further advancements and development in cybersecurity can reflect India's innate ability to embrace knowledge and innovation.

Goyal further emphasised that "India's youthful population - with an average age of 28.4 years - is its greatest strength in the journey from a USD 4 trillion economy to one worth USD 30-35 trillion," as cited by news agency IANS.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also said that, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of self-reliance in technology ranges from operating systems to cybersecurity and deep tech to artificial intelligence. He said India must secure primacy in technology globally and make the nation proud," as per IANS.

Highlighting the economic vision of the government under Prime Minister Modi, the minister said, "It is rooted in building a developed nation, a Viksit Bharat that ensures prosperity for every child born in the country."

Citing India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals, low inflation, and status as the fastest-growing large economy, Goyal highlighted the increasing global interest in India, with over 2,500 international companies already present in the country. He said the unprecedented opportunity places the destiny of the nation in the capable hands of the youth.

(With inputs from IANS)