Modi Highlights AI Push, Infrastructure Drive and Defence Strength in Wide-Ranging Interview
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is building the groundwork for a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem by expanding computing capacity and boosting data-centre infrastructure.
In a written interaction with PTI, he noted that large-scale data storage facilities will generate significant employment opportunities and added that India is ready to host global data.
The upcoming AI summit is being projected as the first major technology gathering representing the Global South, and the Prime Minister is set to address its main plenary session on February 19.
Vision behind the Budget
Discussing the Union Budget, Modi said his government has never treated it as a routine accounting exercise.
Referring to his earlier Independence Day remark — “Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai” — he said the sense of urgency has evolved into a nationwide confidence even amid global uncertainties, with India continuing to register strong growth.
He emphasised productive expenditure over short-term populist measures, explaining that record capital spending on infrastructure is intended to create jobs and long-term expansion.
With the government having driven investment in recent years, he urged private companies to now invest more boldly in innovation, research and supply-chain development, and compete on quality rather than protection.
Defence and preparedness
On military capability, the Prime Minister said strengthening the armed forces has remained a priority from the beginning.
He cited the ₹7.85-lakh-crore defence allocation — a 15% rise from the previous year and the largest share among ministries — as proof of commitment.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the nation takes pride in the armed forces’ bravery and that the success reflected reforms implemented over the past decade.
He added that defence modernisation is a continuous necessity, not a reaction to specific situations.
Infrastructure expansion
Modi also stressed that outdated infrastructure had long slowed economic potential.
Over the past decade, he said, the government has pursued large-scale development with future needs in mind — doubling airports, expanding metro networks to many more cities, improving rural roads and connectivity, and investing in freight corridors, ports and coastal links.
Trade ties and economic confidence
On recent trade agreements, he said international partners increasingly see value in engaging with India’s growing economy.
As an example, he pointed to the European Union pact, noting negotiations began earlier but were finalised under his administration in what he described as a mutually beneficial outcome.
Praise for the Finance Minister
The Prime Minister also commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting nine consecutive budgets, calling it a matter of national pride and an inspiration for many women across the country.
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