AI Is a “Force Multiplier,” Not a Job Killer: PM Modi Sets India’s AI Vision at Global Summit
By Vikram Singh
Updated on Feb 18, 2026 | 5 min read | 1.05K+ views
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it replaces and act as a “force multiplier” for India’s economy. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, he urged global leaders to focus on skills, safety and inclusive growth — not fear.
At the high-profile India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a decisive message on artificial intelligence: AI is not a threat to employment — it’s an opportunity. Addressing global delegates, international leaders and industry executives, Modi highlighted that AI will act as a force multiplier for India’s workforce and economy.
The summit, hosted at Bharat Mandapam and drawing world leaders, CEOs and policymakers, is shaping up as a defining moment in how India positions itself in the global AI landscape. Modi used his address to reassure business leaders and citizens that AI will augment human capabilities, not just automate jobs away.
AI won’t replace people, but people who upskill in AI will replace those who don’t. As PM Modi positions artificial intelligence as a force multiplier powered by reskilling, the focus shifts from fear to preparation. Fully aligned with this vision, upGrad’s Artificial Intelligence and Agentic AI programs equip professionals with hands-on skills in building, deploying and managing real-world AI systems, turning ambition into action.
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Addressing Job Displacement Fears
While acknowledging fears about automation, Modi urged a balanced view. He said disruptions are part of all major technological shifts, just as mobile phones and the internet transformed jobs, and society must focus on reskilling and education to prepare youth for the future.
To address skills gaps, the government plans to further promote:
- AI research programmes in universities
- Industry-academia skill collaborations
- Vocational training with AI modules
By empowering citizens with the right skills, Modi said India can ensure that AI supports livelihoods and prosperity for generations.
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India’s Three-Pronged AI Strategy
Modi outlined a broad vision for India’s AI journey built on three pillars:
1️⃣ Human-Centric AI
AI must serve people, not replace them. Systems should preserve dignity of labour and assist decision-making rather than override it.
2️⃣ Skills & Workforce Development
India will prioritise AI training in universities, vocational institutions and industry partnerships. Upskilling, not resistance, is the government’s chosen response to automation.
3️⃣ Responsible & Ethical Governance
AI deployment must include transparency, accountability and safety mechanisms. India supports global cooperation on ethical frameworks and standards.
This framework positions India as both a growth market and a governance voice in global AI debates.
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A Shift from Fear to Opportunity
Modi acknowledged concerns about automation but reframed the debate.
He noted that:
- AI can boost productivity without eliminating human oversight.
- Technology historically creates new forms of employment.
- Nations that invest in skilling early will benefit the most.
He encouraged policymakers not to “fear the future” but to shape it.
The core message: AI is a tool — its impact depends on how societies prepare for it.
The Bigger Economic Picture
India’s technology sector already contributes significantly to GDP and employment. With AI adoption accelerating across industries, new categories of work are emerging:
- AI model training and evaluation
- AI compliance and governance roles
- Prompt engineering and workflow automation
- AI-assisted software development
- AI-powered healthcare diagnostics
- Data infrastructure and cloud engineering
If scaled strategically, AI could strengthen India’s global position in digital services and innovation exports.
The Real Challenge: Reskilling at Scale
While optimism dominated the summit, one major challenge remains.
Can India reskill millions quickly enough?
Modi’s vision depends heavily on:
- Expanding AI education
- Public-private partnerships
- Affordable access to digital infrastructure
- Rural inclusion in tech transformation
Without this foundation, AI’s benefits may remain concentrated in urban tech hubs.
Conclusion
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi delivered a message aimed squarely at balancing enthusiasm with realism: AI is a job creator, not just a disruptor. He urged for smart governance, strategic reskilling and international cooperation to make the benefits of AI accessible to all.
By viewing AI as a force multiplier for the economy and human potential, India aims to harness emerging technologies while safeguarding employment, dignity and opportunity for its people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on PM Modi Says AI Will Create Jobs
1. What did PM Modi say about AI and jobs?
PM Modi said artificial intelligence will act as a “force multiplier” for India’s economy and create more jobs than it replaces. He emphasised reskilling, innovation, and responsible AI adoption to ensure growth benefits the workforce.
2. Will artificial intelligence take away jobs in India?
AI may automate repetitive tasks, but it is expected to create new roles in technology, data, automation, and AI governance. Experts say the impact depends on how quickly workers adapt and reskill for emerging opportunities.
3. What is PM Modi’s vision for artificial intelligence in India?
PM Modi envisions AI as a force multiplier that strengthens India’s economy, boosts innovation, and creates employment. He advocates for human-centric, responsible AI development supported by large-scale reskilling and global cooperation.
4. How does India plan to implement its AI vision?
India plans to implement its AI vision through AI education programs, public-private partnerships, startup ecosystem support, research investments, and responsible governance frameworks that promote ethical and inclusive AI deployment across sectors.
5. Why does PM Modi emphasise reskilling in the AI era?
PM Modi stresses reskilling because AI will transform job roles rather than eliminate work entirely. He believes equipping India’s youth with AI, data and digital skills is essential to turning technological disruption into economic opportunity.
6. What role does India aim to play in global AI governance?
India aims to become a global voice in responsible AI governance by promoting transparency, safety, inclusivity and cross-border cooperation. The country seeks to balance rapid innovation with ethical standards that protect human dignity and rights.
7. How can professionals prepare for AI-driven jobs?
Professionals can prepare by learning AI fundamentals, machine learning, automation tools, data analytics, and AI deployment workflows. Upskilling through structured programs and hands-on projects helps build job-ready technical and problem-solving skills.
8. What are Agentic AI skills?
Agentic AI skills include building autonomous AI systems, designing multi-agent workflows, integrating APIs, implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and deploying intelligent systems that can reason, plan, and execute tasks independently.
9. What industries will benefit most from AI in India?
Healthcare, fintech, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and IT services are expected to benefit significantly. AI can improve efficiency, automate processes, enhance analytics, and create new digital products across these sectors.
10. Why is reskilling important in the AI era?
Reskilling ensures workers stay relevant as automation changes job roles. Learning AI tools, data skills, and digital workflows helps professionals transition into higher-value roles instead of being displaced by technology.
11. What types of jobs are emerging due to AI?
Emerging roles include AI engineer, prompt engineer, data scientist, AI product manager, automation consultant, AI compliance specialist, and machine learning developer. Hybrid roles combining domain expertise with AI knowledge are also growing rapidly.
12. How does AI act as a force multiplier?
AI increases productivity by automating repetitive tasks, accelerating decision-making, and enhancing human capabilities. It enables workers to focus on strategic and creative tasks while AI handles data processing and pattern recognition.
13. Is AI adoption safe for the workforce?
AI adoption can be beneficial if supported by strong governance, ethical safeguards, and large-scale reskilling initiatives. The key is balancing innovation with training programs that prepare workers for new technology-driven roles.
14. What is the future of AI jobs in India?
India is expected to become a major AI talent hub due to its young workforce and strong IT sector. With the right skill development initiatives, AI could generate significant employment growth in the coming decade.
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Vikram Singh is a seasoned content strategist with over 5 years of experience in simplifying complex technical subjects. Holding a postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics, he specializes in creatin...
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