Politics · India · 1 hr ago
India identifies sectors less vulnerable to AI disruption, Goyal says
India's Commerce Ministry is identifying work less likely to be replaced by AI, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said while visiting Germany.
The aim is to prepare for AI's effects on jobs while finding areas where the technology can help people work more efficiently.
Goyal pointed to handicrafts, handloom, culinary arts and tourism as fields where human skills and creativity remain important.
He said India's large skilled workforce and young population could help the country take a global lead in these sectors.
The concern is significant because AI could displace some jobs, although NITI Aayog has also said it could create new ones with the right training and innovation.
Goyal said the government would offer support where needed and explore ways to bring researchers and engineers home, including by improving the conditions for research and partnerships between industry and universities.
India’s Commerce Ministry is identifying professions and sectors that may be less vulnerable to artificial intelligence, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said.
Goyal said the focus would be on areas where AI can improve efficiency without necessarily replacing workers.
He named handicrafts, handloom, culinary arts and tourism as areas where India could take a global lead.
He said support for these sectors would combine private, government, community and opportunity-led initiatives.
Goyal also said the government would explore how to attract Indian researchers, engineers and scientists working abroad to return.
- Who
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and India’s Commerce Ministry.
- What
- The ministry is identifying professions and sectors less vulnerable to AI disruption.
- When
- Goyal spoke on Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- In Germany, while addressing Indian science and technology researchers and students.
- Why
- To plan for AI’s effects on work, develop areas of Indian strength and create opportunities for the population.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Goyal told researchers and students in Germany that his ministry had begun identifying AI-proof professions.
Goyal said the government would write to its embassies and high commissions to encourage participation in global AI, startup and semiconductor events.
- Minister
- Piyush Goyal
- Ministry
- India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry
- Sectors named
- Handicrafts, handloom, culinary arts and tourism
- Population referenced
- 1.4 billion people
- Location of remarks
- Germany
3 sources
What people are saying
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 AI can at max add to efficiency, not necessarily replace (human workforce)
That is an idea that I thought is important in the fast-changing technological landscape around us. And I personally feel many areas where we can take global leadership, given the huge skill and talent that India has and the youthful population
Look at the media itself. You guys are also in an AI proof sector.
And surprisingly, I realise it's not just about money; it's about the enabling environment, the support of the ecosystem.