Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is laying strong foundations for a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem as the five-day AI Impact Summit begins on Monday. In a written interview with PTI, he explained that the government is expanding computing capacity and increasing data centre infrastructure across the country.

He stressed that data centres will generate significant employment opportunities for young Indians. He also made a global pitch, saying, “we invite the whole world’s data to reside in India.” The summit is being projected as the first major AI gathering in the Global South, and Modi will address the main plenary session on February 19.

Strengthening India’s AI Ecosystem

Modi underlined that India is not merely participating in the AI revolution but actively building the ecosystem required to lead in the sector. According to him, the expansion of data centres and computing infrastructure is central to this effort. These investments are expected to boost digital capacity while also creating jobs.

Union Budget Not a Routine Exercise

Speaking about the Union Budget, Modi said his government has never treated it as a routine accounting document or a simple “bahi khata.” He emphasised that this has never been the government’s style of functioning.

Referring to his Red Fort speech where he said, “Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai”, Modi noted that the same urgency continues to drive policymaking.

“Today, that sense of urgency has become a national conviction, a whole-of-society resolve. There is a new confidence in our nation,” he said. “Our national character has revealed itself even in times of different kinds of challenges, and we are a bright spot of growth even in difficult global circumstances.”

Defence Allocation Sees Major Increase

On defence modernisation, Modi stated that from the beginning, his government has remained committed to strengthening the armed forces. He pointed to the allocation of Rs 7.85 lakh crore for defence in the Union Budget. This amount is 15 per cent higher than the previous Budget and is the largest allocation given to any ministry.

Mentioning Operation Sindoor, he said the country takes pride in the bravery of its armed forces. “During the operation, one could see the benefits of the reforms we have undertaken in the last decade. Therefore, defence budgets, modernisation, etc.—all these are parts of our continuous effort and need not be linked to any particular issue,” he said. He further added, “The country has to be strong and prepared at all times, and that is what we are doing.”

Focus on Productive Spending and Private Investment

Modi described productive expenditure as a defining feature of his administration. He explained that the Union Budget has consciously avoided short-term populist measures. Instead, it has directed record capital spending towards infrastructure projects to create jobs and maintain long-term growth.

At the same time, he called for stronger participation from the private sector in the next phase of development. “Policy can only create the enabling framework. The next phase of transformation requires a decisive response from the private sector,” he said.

He urged Indian companies to increase investment in research and development, adopt advanced technologies, strengthen supply chains, and compete globally based on quality and productivity rather than relying on protected profit margins.

Infrastructure Expansion Over the Past Decade

Modi said outdated and weak infrastructure had long created problems for citizens and businesses. “Broken and outdated infrastructure has no place in a nation that aspires to be Viksit Bharat,” he said.

He added that over the last ten years, the government has carried out infrastructure development at an unprecedented scale and speed. The number of airports has doubled, and airlines have placed orders for thousands of aircraft. Metro services now operate in more than four times the number of cities compared to earlier years.

Rural roads and internet connectivity have expanded rapidly. In addition, the government has invested heavily in freight corridors, ports, and coastal connectivity to improve logistics and trade efficiency.

Trade Agreements and India’s Global Position

On trade policy, Modi said many countries now recognise the benefits of signing agreements with India. He described India as a confident, competitive, and fast-growing economy.

“To understand the difference between the earlier approach and ours, consider the EU trade agreement. It was discussed and negotiated even under the previous government. But it was our government which eventually sealed a win-win deal for our economies,” he said. He added, “We are entering into these historic trade deals from a position of strength.”

Praise for Finance Minister

Modi also commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who on February 1 became the only Union Finance Minister to present nine consecutive Budgets.

“It is a matter of national pride that our Finance Minister, Nirmala-ji, has presented the Budget nine consecutive times… several women across India feel inspired by this,” he said.