Prime Minister discusses education, AI, defence, maritime development, ports, manufacturing and exports during third high-level meeting with secretaries

Modi reviews key policy areas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the third high-level meeting with Central government secretaries in New Delhi on Thursday, reviewing a range of issues related to infrastructure, connectivity, security, foreign affairs, education, technology and manufacturing.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Modi called for stronger engagement between government departments, universities and young people to bring new ideas into policy-making.

The focus on youth comes amid the government's recent efforts to increase engagement with students following protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination-related concerns.

Focus on youth and education

Modi stressed the need for government officials to establish greater dialogue with universities and young people.

The Prime Minister said such engagement could help policymakers receive fresh perspectives and develop new approaches to existing challenges.

The government has also increased its use of social media to communicate with young audiences. Modi recently interacted with students through Instagram reels and has encouraged ministers to maintain an active presence on social media platforms.

The emphasis on direct engagement reflects an attempt to connect policy discussions more closely with students, researchers and younger citizens.

Data and AI use discussed

Another major focus of the meeting was the use of data and artificial intelligence in governance.

Modi called for better utilisation of data and AI while stressing that human oversight and decision-making must remain an important part of AI-based systems.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to increase research and innovation across sectors, with particular attention to defence-related research.

Officials were asked to focus not only on immediate challenges but also on the country's long-term requirements.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Infrastructure and connectivity were also discussed during the meeting.

Modi called for infrastructure planning to be aligned with future requirements and stressed better coordination between different ministries.

He also discussed the need to improve connectivity for manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

The objective, according to the meeting's agenda, was to ensure that infrastructure development supports broader economic activity rather than being pursued in isolation.

Defence and maritime strategy

The meeting also covered security and foreign policy, with officials discussing future priorities for the ministries handling these areas.

In the defence sector, Modi emphasised research and innovation as important tools for making India more competitive globally.

The maritime sector was another key area of discussion. The Prime Minister called for a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening India's maritime capabilities.

The focus comes as India seeks to expand its role in shipping, shipbuilding, ports and related industries.

Shipbuilding gets attention

Modi also reviewed the government's shipbuilding priorities.

Shipbuilding has recently received infrastructure status, and the Prime Minister asked officials to monitor whether the targets set for the sector are being achieved.

The move is aimed at strengthening domestic shipbuilding capacity and improving India's competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

Officials were also asked to look beyond simply increasing the number of ports and instead focus on broader port-led development.

Manufacturing and exports

Manufacturing and exports formed another important part of the discussions.

Modi stressed the importance of providing better connectivity to manufacturing centres and export units. Improved infrastructure and logistics can help reduce transportation costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian products in international markets.

The discussions therefore linked infrastructure development with wider industrial and export objectives.

Focus on present and future

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Modi said the discussions covered the work of ministries dealing with infrastructure, connectivity, security and foreign affairs.

The Prime Minister asked secretaries to address current problems using available data while simultaneously keeping the country's future requirements in mind.

The meeting brought together several policy priorities — from youth engagement and education to AI, research, defence, maritime development, shipbuilding, ports and exports — with the broader objective of improving coordination and long-term planning across government departments.