India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India’s significant position in the global technology revolution, citing its young population, affordable data, and technological advancements as key factors. Speaking at Viva Tech 2026 on India’s role in artificial intelligence, Goyal stated that India’s ability to adapt technology efficiently and its positive view of AI as a growth enabler set it apart globally.
Goyal highlighted India’s demographic advantage, with an average population age of under 30 years, making it the world’s fastest-growing large economy. He pointed out that India’s large population drives innovation and provides economies of scale, with 1.4 billion people creating substantial demand.
The minister also mentioned India’s ample power resources to support the increasing demands of data centers and computing infrastructure. He noted that India offers data at a lower cost compared to other countries, has abundant power supply for technology needs, and produces the highest number of STEM graduates globally.
Addressing concerns about job losses due to AI, Goyal reassured that technological progress would lead to new opportunities and career paths, emphasizing that AI could never replace human intelligence, values, culture, and traditions.
