PM Modi dismisses fears of massive job losses due to AI, says it will create new opportunities

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dismissed apprehensions of massive job losses due to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), stating that while some existing jobs may be “redefined,” digital transformation will also lead to the creation of new tech jobs, further boosting the Indian economy.

In an interview with a news agency, the Prime Minister emphasised that preparation is the best antidote to fear. PM Modi described AI as a transformative opportunity in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat-2047.

He reiterated his vision for India to rank among the world’s top three AI superpowers, driven by innovation, sovereignty, and inclusivity.

“India’s IT sector has been the backbone of our services exports and a key driver of economic growth. AI presents both a tremendous opportunity and a challenge for this sector,” he said.

He noted that AI market projections indicate India’s IT sector could reach 400 billion dollars by 2030, fuelled by new waves of AI-enabled outsourcing and domain-specific automation.

While general-purpose AI tools have become widespread, enterprise-grade AI adoption remains concentrated in specific sectors, and incumbent IT firms continue to play crucial roles in solving complex business problems.

PM Modi highlighted the central government’s focus on skilling and re-skilling the workforce to prepare them for an AI-driven future. "I view AI as a force-multiplier which will further help us push the boundaries of what we thought possible,” he said.

He pointed out that history has consistently shown that work does not disappear due to technology—its nature simply changes, and new types of jobs are created.

Insisting that India is already well-equipped to adapt to this change, Modi said “Combining innovation with inclusion, we are confident that AI will strengthen India’s workforce. With the right skills and preparation, our youth will lead the future of work.”

“Our AI models will be deployed worldwide, serving billions in their native languages. Our AI startups will be valued in hundreds of billions, creating millions of high-quality jobs. Our AI-powered public services will be studied globally as benchmarks for efficient, equitable governance. And most importantly, every Indian will experience AI as an enabler of opportunity, a multiplier of capability, and a servant of human dignity, not as a threat to their livelihood or an instrument of control,” PM Modi added.