Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the Indian government is working to pinpoint occupations least susceptible to artificial intelligence (AI). The strategy targets sectors where AI can boost efficiency rather than displace human labor, allowing India to capitalize on its skilled labor force and heritage strengths.
Speaking to Indian science and technology students and researchers in Germany, Goyal explained that he instructed his ministry to map out future-proof roles to help guide the nation's employment roadmap.
“I got my ministry to start working on what are the AI proof professions..After all we have to plan as a nation for so many millions of people. What are the sectors where the AI can at max add to efficiency, not necessary replace (human workforce),” he said.
He highlighted that India is well-positioned to lead globally in domains dependent on human creativity and heritage, including handlooms, handicrafts, tourism, and culinary arts.
“Also, given the traditional skills that many of us in India acquire. So, our handicraft, handloom no amount of AI can replace that,” he said.
Goyal emphasized that prioritizing areas with distinct competitive advantages will directly benefit the nation's population.
“There are many, many areas where I think we have some very special strengths which we will be focusing on also simultaneously developing to ensure that 1.4 billion people have a better life in the future,” Goyal said.
When questioned about potential state support or incentives for these industries, Goyal noted that assistance would stem from various channels based on specific needs.
“It will be a mix of several initiatives, some privately led, some government led, some people led, some opportunity led,” he said.
Additionally, the minister outlined efforts to attract Indian scientists, engineers, and researchers currently based overseas back to India. He invited input from the Indian academic community in Germany regarding the ideal conditions for returning.
“I have asked them (researchers and students) to tell us what they will need in order to consider and how can we support more, young researchers or our talented engineers and scientific community to come and work and serve in India,” he said.
Goyal observed that bringing talent back home requires more than just monetary offers; it depends on building a robust ecosystem for innovation.
“And surprisingly, I realize it’s not just about money, it’s about the enabling environment, the support of the ecosystem,” he said.
To facilitate this, Goyal plans to consult with private and public academic bodies, research institutes, and industry leaders to foster collaborative opportunities. His comments align with broader efforts to fortify India's innovation framework as automation reshapes global employment trends.
Remarking on the sentiment among Indian students in Germany, Goyal pointed out a growing desire to return and join India's expanding economy.
“This large Indian student community, full of enthusiasm, seems to be very excited about taking their learnings back to India. Now we can see them not just looking for a job in Germany, but wanting to be back home to contribute to the India growth story, because that is where the action is,” he told reporters.
Data from the report indicates that Germany is home to approximately 330,000 people of Indian origin alongside 60,000 to 70,000 Indian students. Goyal visited Germany to meet with commercial and political figures to expand trade and investment channels between the two countries.