Piyush Goyal Urges Youth to Embrace AI and Innovation for Viksit Bharat 2047

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has urged young Indians to develop AI skills, embrace emerging technologies and drive innovation to strengthen manufacturing, entrepreneurship and India’s economic growth.

Piyush Goyal Calls on Youth to Lead India’s AI Journey

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has encouraged India’s youth to adopt emerging technologies, upgrade their skills and contribute to the country’s long-term development goals. Addressing the inauguration of the SRCC Centenary Conclave on “Pathways to Viksit Bharat,” he highlighted the importance of innovation, manufacturing and technology-driven growth in creating employment opportunities.

Goyal emphasised that young people must prepare for a rapidly changing economic environment by developing expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and other advanced technologies. He said that practical knowledge and continuous learning would help students respond to evolving industry requirements and contribute to India’s growing role in the global economy.

Technology and Skill Development to Drive Economic Growth

The minister stressed that technology adoption and workforce development are essential to building a competitive economy. As industries increasingly integrate digital tools and advanced systems into their operations, workers with relevant technical skills will be better positioned to access emerging career opportunities.

He encouraged students to go beyond learning about new technologies and focus on applying them to real-world challenges. Developing solutions that benefit businesses and citizens, he noted, would help translate technological progress into tangible economic and social outcomes.

Goyal also called for continuous personal and professional development, highlighting lifelong learning as an important factor in career advancement.

Manufacturing and Investment Can Strengthen India’s Global Position

Goyal highlighted manufacturing as a key driver of employment, investment and economic expansion. He observed that political stability, resilient supply chains and fair, transparent trade practices are becoming increasingly important when businesses decide where to establish manufacturing operations and invest capital.

According to the minister, India has significant opportunities to expand its manufacturing capabilities, attract investments and integrate advanced technologies into industrial processes.

He also pointed to the potential of different regions, including northern and northeastern India, to contribute to industrial development. Greater investment and technology adoption across these areas could help broaden economic opportunities and support more balanced regional growth.

Lessons from India’s IT Sector Growth

Drawing comparisons with the expansion of India’s information technology sector during the 1990s and 2000s, Goyal encouraged young Indians to become creators of technology rather than simply consumers or adopters.

India’s IT industry demonstrated how technical expertise, entrepreneurship and access to global markets could create new economic opportunities. The minister urged the next generation to build on this experience by developing innovative products, services and technological solutions.

He emphasised that young people have the potential to shape emerging industries by combining technical knowledge with creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking.

Startups and Young Entrepreneurs Have a Key Role

Goyal underlined the contribution of startups and young entrepreneurs in addressing business and societal challenges. Innovative enterprises can introduce new products, improve services, create jobs and strengthen India’s participation in international markets.

He encouraged students to recognise entrepreneurship as an avenue for turning ideas into practical solutions. Developing a supportive environment for innovation and enterprise can help young people explore opportunities in technology, manufacturing and other growth-oriented sectors.

Building stronger entrepreneurial capabilities will also be important for generating employment and supporting the country’s wider economic ambitions.

Viksit Bharat 2047 Requires Ambition and Collective Effort

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Goyal highlighted the importance of national confidence, ambition and collective responsibility in shaping India’s future.

He noted that the country’s demographic dividend presents an opportunity to accelerate development, provided young people have access to relevant education, skills and employment opportunities. Preparing the workforce for emerging industries will be critical to sustaining growth over the coming decades.

The minister’s message placed young Indians at the centre of this transformation, encouraging them to remain adaptable, pursue lifelong learning and contribute through innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

India-US Trade Agreement Moves Through Legal Drafting

Goyal also provided an update on the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States. He stated that the first tranche of the agreement had been finalised and was undergoing legal drafting.

The minister expressed hope that the process would lead to its early finalisation and operationalisation. The development forms part of broader efforts to strengthen trade relations and expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

Conclusion

Piyush Goyal’s message at the SRCC Centenary Conclave highlighted the importance of equipping India’s youth for a technology-driven future. By developing AI and cybersecurity skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening manufacturing, young Indians can contribute to employment generation and economic competitiveness. Sustained investment in skills, innovation and emerging technologies will be important for advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.