Data centres, artificial intelligence find mentions in PM Modi's speech at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 13th Independence Day address to the nation, highlighted the increasing significance of data centers and artificial intelligence in the context of future technologies. Speaking from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi emphasized that as the world moves towards advanced technologies, the demand for energy will continue to escalate.

"Whether we talk about semiconductors or critical minerals, as we move towards the technologies of the future, and as the world moves in that direction, the importance of energy will continue to grow," Modi stated. He further elaborated, "It will be difficult to run the new world without energy. And therefore, whether it is chips, AI or data centres, we will need enormous amounts of electricity."

These statements arrive at a time when India is actively pursuing energy security and technological advancement. However, the Prime Minister's remarks also coincide with local protests in areas like Thane in Maharashtra and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, where residents have voiced opposition to the construction of data centers.

India's focus on AI and data centers is evident in the significant growth of installed capacity, which has reportedly increased from 375 MW in 2020 to approximately 1575 MW currently, according to the ministry of electronics and information technology. The government plans to further expand this infrastructure to states including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.

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Whether we talk about semiconductors or critical minerals, as we move towards the technologies of the future, and as the world moves in that direction, the importance of energy will continue to grow. It will be difficult to run the new world without energy. And therefore, whether it is chips, AI or data centres, we will need enormous amounts of electricity.