Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has asked his ministry to identify professions that are less likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). The move aims to help India prepare for changes in the job market while building on its traditional skills and strengths.
Speaking to Indian science and technology researchers and students in Germany, Goyal said the government was looking at sectors where AI could improve efficiency without replacing human workers. He stressed that India needed to plan for the future of work, keeping the employment needs of its large population in mind.
“I got my ministry to start working on what the AI-proof professions are. After all, we have to plan as a nation for so many millions of people. What are the sectors where AI can at most add to efficiency, not necessarily replace the human workforce,” he said.
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Traditional Skills Could Give India a Global Advantage
Goyal said India had the potential to take a leading global role in sectors such as handicrafts, handlooms, culinary arts and tourism. These areas rely on traditional knowledge, human creativity and specialised skills that AI may find difficult to replace.
Highlighting the value of India’s traditional expertise, he said, “Our handicraft, handloom, no amount of AI can replace that.”
He added that the government would focus on sectors where India has distinct strengths, with the aim of improving the lives of its 1.4 billion people.
Support for these sectors, he explained, would involve a combination of government action, private initiatives and opportunities led by people and industry.
“It will be a mix of several initiatives, some privately led, some government led, some people led, some opportunity led,” Goyal said.
Government Looks to Attract Indian Researchers Back Home
Goyal also highlighted the need to encourage Indian researchers, engineers and scientists working abroad to return to India and contribute to its development.
During his interaction with researchers and students in Germany, he asked them to identify the support they would need to consider working in India.
The government wants to understand how it can create better opportunities for young researchers and skilled professionals to work in the country.
According to Goyal, financial incentives alone may not be enough to attract talent. A strong research ecosystem, suitable working conditions and institutional support are also important.
“And surprisingly, I realise it’s not just about money; it’s about the enabling environment, the support of the ecosystem,” he said.
He added that he would discuss the issue with government and private educational institutions, academic bodies, leading research institutions and industry representatives. The discussions would explore ways to strengthen collaboration between researchers and industry.
Indian Students in Germany Show Interest in Returning
Goyal said many Indian students in Germany were increasingly interested in returning home and contributing to India’s economic growth.
He observed that students were looking beyond employment opportunities abroad and considering how they could use their knowledge and experience in India.
“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 India’s growth story, because that is where the action is,” he told reporters.
According to figures cited in the report, Germany has around 330,000 people of Indian origin and nearly 60,000 to 70,000 Indian students.