President Droupadi Murmu highlights India’s rapid expansion in 4G and 5G networks, electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, and AI skilling, underlining the government’s focus on digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology-led economic growth.
President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the joint session of Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session 2026–27, said India added over one lakh 4G and 5G mobile towers in the past year. She noted that the expansion has reached “every corner” of the country, enhancing access to digital services and connecting marginalized populations.
The President highlighted that India’s electronics production has grown sixfold in the past 11 years, reaching Rs 11 lakh crore annually. Smartphone exports alone crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY2025–26, making India the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturing hub.
Boosting semiconductor manufacturing and local supply chains
President Murmu emphasised the government’s push for self-reliance in microchip manufacturing. Four new semiconductor fabrication plants were approved in 2025, bringing the total upcoming units to ten. India is also exploring nano-chip production, with a semiconductor developed in Assam set to contribute to global electronics supply chains.
She outlined the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to reduce import dependence on essential minerals for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains and regional hubs, including in North-East India.
AI skilling, innovation and technology employment
Highlighting investments in artificial intelligence, the President said one million youth are being trained in AI technologies, with 60,000 focused on semiconductor skills. Initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation are fostering innovation among over one crore students nationwide.
Global Capability Centres and the broader technology services ecosystem have employed more than one crore young professionals in IT services, electronics manufacturing, and advanced digital services, contributing to India’s growing technology workforce.
Governance, energy and infrastructure for a digital future
President Murmu also cautioned that AI growth carries risks like misinformation and deepfakes, urging Parliament to consider regulatory measures. She linked the expansion of AI and data centres to increased energy demand, underlining nuclear power and renewables as key to supporting India’s digital economy.
She added that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has attracted Rs 2 lakh crore in investments and generated over Rs 17 lakh crore in production, cementing India’s role as a global technology and innovation hub.
