Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Modi Sets Data, AI and Defence Priorities for India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met senior government officials to discuss India’s future plans.
He said officials should think about problems that may matter many years from now.
He asked government departments to work together instead of staying in separate groups.
He said data should be treated as a national resource that can be safely shared between departments.
He also said artificial intelligence can help officials, but people must remain responsible for important decisions.
Modi called for more research, innovation and training to strengthen India’s defence industry.
He wanted ports to support nearby factories, transport networks and exports.
He also encouraged government offices to work more closely with universities, young people and one another.
The meeting was part of continuing discussions to coordinate the government’s long-term agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged senior officials to adopt a long-term vision rather than focus only on immediate problems and daily statistics.
He called data a national asset and sought interoperable systems, shared standards and integrated platforms across government departments.
Modi supported effective use of artificial intelligence while retaining human intervention, judgment and responsibility.
He called for a more innovative, research-driven and globally competitive defence industry supported by specialised education and skills.
He urged a shift from port development to port-led development by connecting maritime infrastructure with manufacturing, logistics and exports.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Secretary, government Secretaries and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.
- What
- A high-level meeting on the future action agenda for infrastructure and connectivity, security and external affairs, defence, maritime development and governance.
- When
- Thursday; the accompanying post was dated August 20, 2026.
- Where
- At the Prime Minister’s residence in India.
- Why
- To align senior officials around a long-term, whole-of-government agenda and address implementation and coordination challenges.
- Meeting chair
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Main themes
- Infrastructure and connectivity, security and external affairs, and governance
- Data policy
- Data was described as a national asset requiring interoperability and integrated systems.
- Artificial intelligence
- AI should be used effectively while retaining human intervention and judgment.
- Defence priority
- India’s defence industry should become stronger, more innovative and globally competitive.
- Maritime priority
- The government wants to move from port development to port-led development.
- Policy engagement
- Departments were encouraged to work with universities and young people for new ideas.