MeitY Secretary S Krishnan Says AI Will Not Threaten Indian Jobs

At the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan assured that the rise of AI technology will not threaten job security in India. Addressing growing concerns around AI and jobs, Krishnan emphasized that AI adoption in India is being carefully aligned with workforce development and skill-building efforts to prepare the Indian workforce for the evolving landscape.

Krishnan stated that AI’s impact should not be viewed as a threat, but as an opportunity to boost productivity across key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. He noted that while AI may transform how work is done, it will also create new roles that demand a fresh set of skills, ultimately contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Focusing on the AI future of work, Krishnan highlighted the importance of training Indian youth in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. He stressed the need to build strong AI foundation models that reflect the unique needs of India, including support for local languages and solutions tailored to regional and sector-specific challenges.

This approach underlines the broader vision of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY initiatives) to ensure that AI in India is inclusive, sustainable, and empowers the nation’s diverse population. Krishnan also spoke about the importance of developing AI policy in India that balances innovation with ethics, regulation, and accountability.

As the Indian economy continues to embrace AI adoption, Krishnan reassured that the government is proactively shaping a future where AI and employment can coexist. With investments in digital infrastructure, upskilling, and locally relevant AI solutions, India aims to become a global leader in responsible AI deployment—protecting jobs while paving the way for a technologically advanced and resilient economy.