'Invest in skilling, AI a force-multiplier': What Modi said on concerns over AI taking away jobs

On tackling this challenge, PM Modi said that the government has been investing in skilling and re-skilling the people for an AI-driven future.

Updated on: Feb 18, 2026, 05:05:03 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed concerns around Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking away jobs, saying he understands the youth's worries on “AI-driven disruptions” in the job market.

"The government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world," PM Modi said. (PTI)

Even as India hosts the world's largest AI summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Prime Minister, in an interview with ANI news agency, allayed concerns that India's demographic dividend would not be harnessed if jobs are eliminated owing to AI.

On tackling this challenge, PM Modi said that the government has been investing in skilling and re-skilling the people for an AI-driven future.

“The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem but we're treating it as a present imperative,” PM Modi said, while asserting that “preparation is the best antidote to fear.”

Also Read | PM Modi calls France 'special partner', inaugurates assembly line of H-125 helicopters with Macron

‘AI a force multiplier, will help reach larger group of people’

PM Modi said that he views AI as a “force multiplier”, adding that it will further help “push the boundaries of what we thought possible.” The Prime Minister told ANI that AI can also help doctors, teachers and lawyers, among others, to “reach out to and help a larger group of people.”

He further cited history as a precedent, saying work does not disappear because of technology, but its nature changes and new types of jobs are created. He said that some jobs will be redefined, and new tech jobs will be added to India's economy following digital transformation, ANI reported.

“For centuries, there have been fears that innovation and technological revolutions will eliminate jobs. Yet history teaches us that whenever innovation happens, new opportunities emerge. The same will be true in the age of AI,” PM Modi said, while asserting that India is already well-equipped to adapt to this change.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's ranking in the Stanford AI index. “In the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025, India ranked 3rd, reflecting strong growth in AI R&D, talent, and economy,” PM Modi told ANI. He expressed confidence that AI will strengthen India's workforce by combining innovation and inclusion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.