New Delhi, Feb 16 : Ahead of the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is building a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem by rapidly expanding computing power and strengthening data centre infrastructure, inviting global players to anchor their digital presence in the country.
In an interview to PTI, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Prime Minister remarked that India is ready to host the world’s data, asserting that data centres will emerge as major engines of employment for Indian youth. The summit, scheduled to begin on Monday, is being projected as the first major AI congregation in the Global South, with PM Modi set to address the main plenary session on February 19.
Highlighting the government’s technology vision, Modi said the expansion of digital infrastructure is laying the foundation for India’s leadership in AI and emerging technologies. He underlined that the country is positioning itself not merely as a digital adopter but as a digital leader in the evolving global order.
Speaking on the Union Budget, the Prime Minister stated that his government’s budgets have never been routine financial statements but structured roadmaps for long-term transformation. Recalling his “Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai” call from the Red Fort, he said that the sense of urgency has now transformed into a nationwide resolve, with India emerging as a bright growth spot despite global challenges.
On defence, Modi reiterated that strengthening the armed forces has been a continuous priority since day one of his government. He noted that a record Rs 7.85 lakh crore has been allocated to the defence sector in the latest Budget, marking a 15 percent increase over the previous year and the highest allocation for any ministry. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the country takes pride in its armed forces and emphasised that defence modernisation is part of sustained efforts rather than a response to any single event.
Describing productive expenditure as a hallmark of his governance model, the Prime Minister said the government has prioritised record capital investment in infrastructure over short-term populism. He added that after significant public sector capex in recent years, the next phase of growth now requires bold participation from the private sector, particularly in research, innovation and frontier technologies.
Modi stressed that India’s infrastructure transformation over the past decade has been unprecedented, citing the doubling of airports, rapid metro expansion, improved rural connectivity and massive investments in freight corridors, ports and coastal infrastructure.
On trade agreements, he said several nations now view India as a strong and reliable economic partner. Referring to the EU trade deal, he stated that while earlier negotiations had stalled, his government succeeded in concluding a mutually beneficial agreement from a position of strength.
The Prime Minister also lauded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting nine consecutive Union Budgets, calling it a matter of national pride and a source of inspiration for women across the country.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to draw global technology leaders, policymakers and innovators, further cementing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading force in the global AI landscape. (KNC)
