NEW DELHI, June 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on states to harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) while putting safeguards in place to address emerging social challenges such as cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the potential impact of El Niño conditions and stressed the need for stronger water conservation efforts.
Chairing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Modi said that while many major economies are facing uncertainty and economic difficulties, India’s growth story continues to inspire the world.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and adopting global best practices, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Referring to India’s recently concluded trade agreements with several countries, he urged states to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and ensure stakeholders are well-positioned to benefit from these pacts. He also encouraged states to attract investments from partner nations.
Highlighting the spirit of cooperative federalism, Modi said the Centre and states must work together to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat, adding that the goal should become a shared commitment across every state, district, block and village.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse and cybercrime through awareness campaigns, preventive measures and effective governance.
Pointing to the importance of transparency, good governance and infrastructure in attracting investment, Modi asked states to focus on branding, ease of doing business and emerging sectors such as data centres, artificial intelligence and next-generation manufacturing.
Describing AI as an opportunity rather than a challenge, he called for greater efforts to equip people with the skills needed for the future economy.
The day-long meeting was attended by representatives of all 28 states and five Union Territories, marking the first time that chief ministers of all states participated in the annual gathering.
Modi described India’s 700 million youth as a major national asset and urged states to convert the country’s demographic dividend into a development dividend.
According to officials, state leaders expressed support for the Centre in addressing global geopolitical challenges, strengthening energy security and sustaining economic growth.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Ashok Kumar Lahiri said the Prime Minister reiterated that India cannot become a developed nation unless all its states achieve development. Modi also encouraged states to estimate GDP growth at the district level and strengthen One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives through export-oriented strategies.
