Tech Explained: India leading the world in AI adoption: PM Narendra Modi in Simple Terms

Prime minister Narendra Modi has described the current decade as India’s “techade,” during which the country aims to lead in shaping the global technology landscape. “In terms of AI adoption, India is leading the world,” he said, and pointed to the success of Digital India and the fintech sector as key enablers. “India’s rising semiconductor play will also help build our AI ecosystem stronger,” he added.

Modi was speaking at the inauguration of Kaynes’ Rs 3,300-crore semiconductor plant at Sanand in Ahmedabad. The facility is part of the central government’s broader push under the ‘India Semiconductor Mission‘ to build domestic capabilities in the sector.

Commercial production at the plant has commenced with the manufacture of Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs), which are widely used in electric vehicles, industrial systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Each module integrates multiple chips into a single package to improve performance and efficiency.

Modi said the government’s policies are laying the groundwork for future technology and energy security. These include opening the space sector to private players and creating bodies like IN-SPACe.

He said policy moves in nuclear energy are also underway as that is needed for an AI-powered future. He added that India is also making headway in quantum computing, which it treats as a strategic asset.