India to train 10m youth in AI skills over 2027: Modi
- Last updated: August 15, 2026 | 12:46
On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 76-minute address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. A major highlight of the speech was a series of announcements focused on the country’s youth. The Prime Minister declared that the government would provide artificial intelligence skills training to 10 million young people over the next year, equipping them to lead in the global AI landscape.
He also announced free online coaching for various competitive examinations for youth from poor and middle-class families, aiming to open doors of opportunity and strengthen their path to success.
He hoisted the national flag for the 13th time, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. For the first time since Independence, the full rendition of Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort, an event the Prime Minister described as a historic moment that resonated in every heart.
'Dimagi Naxalism'
PM Modi warned the nation against "Dimagi Naxalism" and ideological forces seeking to mislead the youth and promote anarchy. He asserted that while armed Naxalism had been significantly weakened, vigilance was still required against those attempting to sow discord.
Expressing full confidence in India’s future, PM Modi stated that the country would achieve developed nation status by 2047. He called this vision of Viksit Bharat a "big dream” that expands the nation’s thinking and broadens its horizons. Small dreams, he said, would no longer suffice. A nation becomes great when it moves forward driven by its dreams, firm resolve and inherent strength. When resolve is steadfast, the capacity to carve a path even amid difficulties and disasters naturally emerges.
He urged citizens to work collectively towards this goal, noting that when the world’s most populous country takes such a resolution, the world is compelled to view it with a different perspective.
Remarkable transformation
Reflecting on the past 12 years, the Prime Minister outlined India’s remarkable economic and social transformation. He recalled the country’s shift from being counted among the "Fragile Five” to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
Defence production had increased nearly fourfold, electronics manufacturing nearly sevenfold, modern railway coach production 21-fold, and mobile phone production 33-fold. Production by Khadi and village industries had grown almost fivefold.
In the digital sphere, the number of internet users had nearly quadrupled, patent grants had risen fourfold, and digital transactions had surged 100-fold.
On the social front, PM Modi highlighted accelerated delivery of basic amenities. Tap-water connections had been provided at 15 times the previous annual rate, gas connections at six times the earlier pace, toilets for the poor at four times the previous rate, and housing for the underprivileged at three times the earlier rate.
He also pointed to governance reforms, stating that thousands of compliance requirements had been eliminated and hundreds of archaic laws repealed, simplifying the system and boosting ease of living and doing business. Self-reliance remained central to India’s journey, the Prime Minister emphasised.
He called upon citizens to support Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local initiatives, asserting that true progress lies in strengthening domestic capabilities while engaging confidently with the world.
PM Modi also expressed concern for families affected by recent floods and reiterated the need for collective effort and unity.
He stressed that the whole country is moving forward with a new resolve. By dreaming big and working with determination, he said, India would not only realise the vision of a developed nation by 2047 but also inspire the world with its courage and achievements.
The address blended pride in past accomplishments with a clear forward-looking agenda, placing youth empowerment, technological readiness, economic self-reliance and national unity at the heart of India’s next phase of growth.
PM Modi breaks protocol to meet children, picks up fallen cap in heartwarming Red Fort moment
Heart-warming gesture
Moments after concluding his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to create one of the most memorable scenes of the 80th Independence Day celebrations for youngsters.
As the formal ceremony ended with the strains of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, the Prime Minister made his way toward groups of schoolchildren, NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers, sparking pure delight among the young audience.
In a spontaneous gesture that quickly captured attention, a young girl bent down to touch the Prime Minister's feet in respect. Her cap slipped off and fell to the ground. Without hesitation, PM Modi bent down, picked up the cap and gently placed it back on her head, drawing smiles and applause from those around.
The simple act of care and humility left the children visibly overjoyed.
Breaking from protocol as he has done in previous years, the Prime Minister instructed his motorcade to stop and walked across to the enclosures where the youth were seated. He shook hands, exchanged brief words and offered warm greetings, giving the excited youngsters a close-up moment with the nation's leader.
The children's enthusiasm was infectious. Many later shared their excitement with the media, describing the experience as thrilling and unforgettable. The interaction perfectly echoed the youth-focused tone of the Prime Minister's speech.
Indo-Asian News Service