Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation will drive India's growth story. Addressing the 58th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Goyal highlighted the transformative potential of AI, robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, and innovation across key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Goyal cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of self-reliance in technology, from operating systems to cybersecurity and deep tech to artificial intelligence, stressing that India must secure primacy in technology globally. With India's large pool of 2.3 million STEM graduates every year, these advancements can reduce dependence on foreign technology and empower industries and services.
Goyal outlined India's economic vision, focusing on resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation-driven growth to improve quality of life, bridge the rural-urban divide, reduce poverty, and promote ease of doing business. He emphasized that India's youthful population, with an average age of 28.4 years, is its greatest strength in the journey from a $4 trillion economy to one worth $30-35 trillion.
With over 2,500 international companies already present in India, Goyal urged the graduating class of 2025 to harness their skills, agility, and vision to lead the country towards Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that India's youth represent the nation's ability to be bold, agile, visionary, and capable of execution, essential qualities to achieve this goal. By leveraging technology and innovation, India can unlock its full potential and achieve remarkable growth.
