BR@Bureau
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has urged India’s technology sector to reset its ambitions and target a trillion-dollar opportunity by 2035, driven by artificial intelligence, advanced data infrastructure, and clean energy integration.
Speaking at the launch of the NITI Frontier Tech Hub’s roadmap report, “Reimagination Ahead,” the Minister emphasized that India must embrace large-scale reimagination to remain competitive in an era shaped by AI, digital infrastructure, and sustainable energy systems.
Target of 10 GW Data Centre Capacity by 2030
Goyal called for India to achieve at least 10 GW of data centre capacity by 2030 and position itself as a global hub for AI-driven technology services. He underlined that the future of growth lies in applied AI, mass reskilling, domestic value creation, and talent retention within the country.
With nearly one billion internet users and among the world’s highest per capita data consumption rates, India is well positioned for expansion. Affordable data, the rollout of 5G, and upcoming 6G capabilities have strengthened the country’s digital backbone, supporting a technology services industry valued between $250–$300 billion.
Clean Energy to Power Digital Growth
Highlighting infrastructure reforms as a key enabler, the Minister credited the 1999 New Telecom Policy for laying the foundation of India’s digital transformation through affordable connectivity. He also pointed to the strengthening of India’s unified national power grid post-2014, which now boasts 500 GW installed capacity, including 250 GW from clean energy sources.
Renewable energy growth has been supported by transparent reverse bidding, reducing solar tariffs to around ₹2.31–₹2.41 per unit and wind tariffs to approximately ₹2.5 per unit. India now provides round-the-clock clean energy at under ₹6 per kilowatt hour and aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
The Minister noted that clean energy integration—including nuclear expansion, pumped storage, battery storage, green hydrogen, and green ammonia—will enhance India’s global competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like data centres.
Tax Incentives Till 2047 to Boost FDI and Jobs
Referring to recent Budget announcements, Shri Goyal said income tax benefits extending until 2047 for select investments are expected to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, and generate employment—especially within the growing data centre ecosystem.
AI to Augment Humans; Cybersecurity a Priority
On artificial intelligence, the Minister stressed that AI will augment human capabilities rather than replace them. However, he cautioned that cybersecurity, human oversight, and data integrity must remain central to AI adoption.
He called for widespread AI literacy among business leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers to ensure responsible and effective deployment.
Structured Industry-Government Collaboration
Advocating an industry-led model with government as facilitator, Shri Goyal proposed structured and continuous engagement involving key ministries and institutions, including MeitY, DPIIT, Invest India, NITI Aayog, the Ministries of Education and Skill Development, and industry bodies such as NASSCOM. He suggested dedicating one Saturday each month to structured dialogue aimed at addressing emerging challenges.
He also emphasized coordinated action with states to streamline single-window clearances, land approvals, electricity access, and distribution upgrades necessary for high-intensity AI and data centre operations.
Assuring full government support, Goyal said India is prepared to work in mission mode with industry stakeholders to establish itself as a global leader in technology services and frontier innovation.
