With the effective policies of the Modi government acting as a catalyst for entrepreneurs and innovators to leverage the emerging digital trend, India is poised to lead in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), asserted Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
“I am also optimistic that Mumbai has the potential to emerge as India’s technology hub, given the remarkable investments being infused into essential infrastructure, capital, and skill development,” the Minister remarked during his engagement at Mumbai Tech Week 2025.
He stated that India’s financial capital possesses all the essential elements to become a prominent technology center.
“I had an excellent discussion at Mumbai Tech Week 2025, where I had the chance to elaborate on India’s significant advantages in the realm of AI adoption and its ethical application,” the Minister shared on X.
India is carving out a leadership role in AI adoption, having recorded three billion downloads of AI-related applications in 2024—surpassing the US’s count of 1.5 billion and China’s 1.3 billion.
According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, this places India as the “use case capital of AI,” indicating that the country is not merely discussing AI or conducting research but is actively implementing it on a substantial scale.
At the AI Action Summit held in Paris last month, co-chaired by India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated that AI is not solely a national concern but rather a global obligation. He emphasized the necessity of developing an AI that is ethical, inclusive, and reliable.
In his address, PM Modi pointed out that we are witnessing the advent of the AI era, where this technology is rapidly shaping “our governance, economy, security, and society”.
Highlighting how AI differs from previous technological milestones due to its impact, he called for a collective global effort to establish regulations and standards that uphold common values, mitigate risks, and build trust. He further indicated that governance should not only involve managing risks but also fostering innovation and utilizing it for global benefit.
Towards this end, he advocated for ensuring equitable access to AI for all, especially for the Global South. He urged the democratization of technology and its people-centric applications to make the realization of Sustainable Development Goals attainable. Referring to the successful India-France sustainability partnership through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the PM stated that it is only natural for the two nations to collaborate in fostering an innovation partnership for a thoughtful and responsible future.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s achievement in establishing a Digital Public Infrastructure for its 1.4 billion citizens, based on open and accessible technology. Discussing India’s AI Mission, the PM remarked that, in light of its diverse population, India is developing its own Large Language Model for AI. He reiterated that India is prepared to share its experiences to ensure the advantages of AI benefit everyone. The Prime Minister also announced that India will host the next AI Summit.
