New Delhi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday expressed confidence that India is poised to assume a global leadership role in artificial intelligence and related emerging technologies, citing strong policy push and growing international engagement.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Naidu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively promoting India’s artificial intelligence capabilities on the global stage.

“We are all very happy. Our Prime Minister is promoting India’s AI globally. This is an inspiring time. Everything is happening in India. India will provide global leadership in AI and related industries,” Naidu said.

Highlighting the expanding technological ecosystem in the country, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister underlined progress in integrated data centres, quantum technologies and advanced digital infrastructure.

“Not just AI, integrated data centres, AI, quantum — you name it. Things are happening positively. We are living in an inspiring time. Everybody has to work in that direction,” he added.

Naidu also announced a major skilling initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government in partnership with IBM, aimed at building a future-ready workforce in cutting-edge technologies.

In a post on X, he said the state government has partnered with IBM to skill one lakh youngsters across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing over the next three to five years.

“We’re partnering with IBM to skill one lakh talented youngsters in Andhra Pradesh across AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Our learners will gain industry-aligned, future-ready skills and strengthen the state’s emerging tech workforce,” Naidu said.

He further stated that a Letter of Intent was signed at the summit in New Delhi with senior IBM leadership, including Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair of IBM EMEA and Growth Markets; Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India and South Asia; Amith Singhee, Director, IBM Research India and Chief Technology Officer; and Kishore Balaji, Executive Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs.

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The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts from India and abroad to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in driving innovation, skilling and economic growth.