AI, semiconductors, quantum to drive India's next infrastructure push: FM Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need for investment in AI, semiconductor chips, and quantum technology. She stated that strengthening digital infrastructure will support AI adoption across various sectors. Additionally, Sitharaman underscored the importance of providing AI solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises. She believes that achieving over 10 percent…
Bengaluru, India - Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technology will be the next major area of infrastructure investment for India. Speaking at IIT Madras Alumni Association's Sangam 2026 in Bengaluru, she emphasized the need for greater investment in AI hardware, training, and skills development.
Sitharaman stated that India must strengthen its existing digital infrastructure and build greater capacity to support the adoption of AI across various sectors. The next significant investment in infrastructure, she believes, would be in AI, semiconductor chips, and their development through quantum technology.
The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of AI solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating across diverse industries. She stressed that businesses need access not only to technology but also to trainers who can help them leverage AI to enhance productivity and compete with global companies.
Investment in AI is undoubtedly the next frontier, Sitharaman affirmed, adding that determining the appropriate stage and level of investment would require inputs from academia and industry. The focus should now be on assessing at what point India needs to invest in AI rather than engaging in debates about whether it should be pursued.
Sitharaman also discussed India's potential for economic growth, suggesting that the country could achieve more than 10% growth. However, she stressed that attaining this level of growth would necessitate greater efforts across various sectors. Faster growth, she added, would accelerate India's progress towards becoming self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) and a developed nation (Viksit Bharat).
Moreover, the minister emphasized the need for technology and innovation from startups to permeate more sectors, including agriculture. She cited examples of drones, precision mapping, and technology-enabled market and productivity improvements in the agricultural sector.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- AI, chips, quantum to drive India’s infra push: FM economictimes.indiatimes.com
