The minister said greater collaboration between the government and technology companies would be essential to accelerate innovation-led and technology-driven economic growth. His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from Google, where discussions focused on expanding the use of AI and digital solutions across different sectors of the economy.

The Google delegation was led by Vidya Srinivasan, Vice President (Ads and Commerce), and Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager of Google India. The meeting explored opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and market access for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises.

According to Goyal, AI-powered tools have the potential to help smaller businesses overcome operational challenges and participate more effectively in the digital economy. As India continues its push towards digital transformation, policymakers are increasingly viewing technology adoption as a key driver of growth for enterprises that form the backbone of the country's economy.

MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, exports and manufacturing output. Industry experts have often pointed out that wider adoption of digital tools can help these enterprises improve efficiency, access new customers and compete in both domestic and international markets.

During the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on enabling startups, exporters and small businesses to take advantage of AI-driven solutions. The participants also examined ways to encourage innovation, improve digital capabilities and create an environment where businesses can adopt advanced technologies more easily.

Goyal said the meeting covered several important areas, including faster adoption of AI, strengthening digital skilling initiatives, expanding market access and promoting technology-led innovation. He later shared details of the interaction on social media platform X, stating that stronger cooperation between the government and technology companies could help build a robust digital ecosystem for Indian enterprises.

The focus on AI comes at a time when countries around the world are investing heavily in emerging technologies to boost productivity and economic competitiveness. India has also been working to expand its digital infrastructure and encourage businesses to integrate technology into their operations.

Earlier in the day, Goyal also spoke about the impact of India's recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying they are helping accelerate manufacturing growth and innovation across sectors. According to the minister, these agreements are creating new opportunities for Indian businesses while enabling young professionals to compete more effectively in global markets.

His comments reflect the government's broader strategy of combining trade expansion with technological advancement to strengthen India's position in the global economy.

Separately, while virtually addressing the launch of the online bilingual Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur, Goyal urged students to focus on practical skills and technology-oriented learning.

He encouraged young learners to embrace emerging technologies and develop industry-relevant capabilities that can help them succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The minister noted that technology-driven education and continuous skill development would be critical for preparing India's workforce for future economic opportunities.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital adoption, innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars of India's growth strategy. With AI increasingly influencing sectors ranging from commerce and manufacturing to education and services, policymakers are seeking greater collaboration between industry, academia and technology companies to ensure that businesses and workers can benefit from the next wave of digital transformation.

Prime Minister flags pandemic, wars, energy crisis during Netherlands diaspora address; calls for unified action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a stark picture of the world's escalating challenges during his visit to the Netherlands on Friday, warning that if current conditions persist, decades of economic progress could unravel, pushing vast populations into poverty.

Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, Modi said this decade has emerged as a defining period of global instability. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by regional conflicts and an ongoing energy crisis, has created what he described as an unprecedented convergence of crises threatening worldwide prosperity.

"If the situation does not change, the progress made over many decades will be undone," Modi said, speaking before a gathering of Indian expatriates. "A very large section of the world's population could be pushed into a poverty trap."

Yet Modi tempered his warnings with optimism about India's economic trajectory. The country has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 200,000 active startups—a dramatic leap from just 500 ventures a decade ago.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's digital payment revolution as evidence of transformative growth. India processed more than 20 billion UPI transactions in the past year alone, accounting for over half of the globe's digital transactions. He also noted that 44 crore new startups were registered in 2025, signalling a shift in mindset among India's youth toward entrepreneurship.

"Startups have become a mindset," Modi said, adding that unicorn valuations have surged from 4 in 2014 to 125 today.Modi positioned the Netherlands as a strategic entry point for Indian businesses seeking to expand into Europe, praising the Indian diaspora for creating trusted bridges between the two nations.

He drew a symbolic parallel between Dutch tulips and Indian lotuses—both flowers requiring strong roots and proper nurturing to flourish. The metaphor, he suggested, reflected the deeper partnership between India and the Netherlands, rooted in shared values and mutual growth.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged sporting connections, noting that the Dutch cricket team's performance at the recent T20 World Cup held in India demonstrated the nations' collaborative spirit.

India is advancing rapidly in semiconductor manufacturing, with work underway on 12 plants. Production has already commenced at two facilities, Modi announced, signalling India's intent to design and manufacture chips domestically rather than remain dependent on imports.

He also referenced India's progress in artificial intelligence and associated technologies, positioning the country as an emerging hub in global tech innovation.

Modi reflected on the significance of May 16, 2014—the date when election results delivered India a stable government with an absolute majority following decades of coalition politics. The mandate, he said, continues to motivate his work.

Recent state elections underscored India's democratic vitality. Voter turnout reached 80–90% in some contests, with women's participation proving particularly robust. Modi characterised these figures as evidence that democratic institutions strengthen when people's aspirations are fulfilled.

"India's aspiration-driven journey is strengthening its democracy," he remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that despite global migration, Indian cultural identity remains deeply rooted among overseas communities. He sensed the presence of migrants from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam in The Hague, calling them ambassadors of India's faith, culture, and values.

Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and people, conveying best wishes from India's 1.4 billion citizens. He noted that Dutch leadership has consistently praised the Indian diaspora's contributions to society and the economy.

During the visit, the Netherlands returned the 11th-century 'Anaimangalam Copper Plates' to India—a significant cultural moment. Known locally as the 'Leiden Plates,' the artefact dates to Raja Raja Chola I's reign (985–1014 CE).

The copper inscriptions, comprising 21 large and 3 small plates weighing approximately 30 kg, document land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. Historians regard the plates as crucial records of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and religious pluralism between South India and Southeast Asia during the medieval period.

Modi is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima before holding detailed discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.