Is India Emerging as a Global AI Leader with Visionary Policies?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nirmala Sitharaman emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership in driving innovation.
- India's policies are creating a robust foundation for technology advancement.
- Collaboration between central and state governments is crucial for AI growth.
- PM Modi’s leadership has been transformative for India's technology landscape.
- Ambition for a developed India by 2047 is a guiding vision.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India’s visionary leadership and forward-thinking policies have established a strong base for innovation, positioning the nation as a global frontrunner in technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
During her address at AI Bharat Shakti, the official pre-summit event for the upcoming ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’, FM Sitharaman remarked that India is entering a remarkable era where governance and policy implementations are advancing more rapidly than ever.
“While many initiatives may exist on paper, true transformation occurs when they are executed under visionary leadership,” stated the Finance Minister, emphasizing that the collaboration between progressive policies and proactive governance is propelling India’s digital advancement.
FM Sitharaman commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in steering India’s technology-driven evolution since 2014.
“From 2014 until now, various policy initiatives have bolstered governance and fostered an environment conducive to innovation,” the minister observed.
FM Sitharaman pointed out that India’s institutional and policy landscape has been pivotal in establishing the country as a global center for emerging technologies such as AI.
The Finance Minister also recognized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his efforts in advocating technology-led development, reminiscing about his previous contributions in transforming Hyderabad into an IT powerhouse.
“With his vision and expertise, Andhra Pradesh is ideally positioned to host India’s inaugural AI hub,” FM Sitharaman remarked.
FM Sitharaman stressed that both central and state governments are collaborating effectively to ensure India maintains its competitive edge in the global AI arena.
“Today, India is in a unique position where policy advancements are occurring far ahead of many other nations' capabilities to adapt. This has fostered healthy competition among states, ultimately benefiting the nation,” the Finance Minister noted.
FM Sitharaman added that such proactive governance will assist India in achieving its ambition of becoming a developed country by 2047.
“Without supportive policies and visionary leadership, our aspiration for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 may remain unfulfilled. However, with the current vision, we are on the right path,” FM Sitharaman affirmed.