Signal India's PM Modi Announces AI Skilling Program for 10 Million Youth

Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 15, 2026, during his Red Fort address marking India's 80th Independence Day, that one crore (10 million) young people would be trained in AI skills over the next year. Modi stated the initiative would equip India's youth with the capability to lead in the world of AI, framing it as part of a broader technology vision. The announcement was paired with other Independence Day pledges including free online coaching for competitive exam preparation to reduce the financial burden on poor and middle-class families, and a new target of six crore 'Lakhpati Didis' (women entrepreneurs), up from a previously surpassed target of three crore. The Prime Minister's Office did not specify the curriculum, eligibility rules, delivery partners, funding, or enrollment timeline for the AI skilling program at the time of announcement. The pledge came alongside other targets on nuclear power and semiconductor manufacturing announced in the same speech.