India to identify professions less vulnerable to AI, Goyal says

Goyal said he had directed the Commerce Ministry to begin identifying what he called AI-proof professions, described in the report as professions considered less vulnerable to artificial intelligence.[1] The ministry’s focus, he said, would be on sectors where AI can improve efficiency without necessarily replacing workers.[1] That frames the initiative as an effort to find ways technology can support work, rather than a claim that particular jobs are entirely protected from automation. Goyal said India must plan as a nation for many millions of people, and that the effort aims to help provide a better future for the country’s 1.4 billion people.[1]

Goyal identified handicrafts, handloom, culinary arts and tourism as sectors where India could take a global leadership role.[1] He said traditional skills and human creativity remain important in these areas.[1] The ministry’s stated approach links that human contribution with opportunities to improve efficiency through AI, rather than assuming that technology must replace workers.[1] For organisations in these fields, the sector list is a signal to assess where digital tools could support work while preserving the skills and creative contributions that Goyal highlighted.

Goyal said the strategy would draw on India’s large pool of skilled talent and youthful population.[1] Speaking to Indian science and technology researchers and students in Germany, he urged them to say what support they would need to work in India and contribute to the Viksit Bharat journey.[1][2] He said attracting skilled professionals requires a strong research ecosystem and an environment conducive to innovation.[2] He also said he would support innovation and startup efforts by helping them gain a platform at major trade fairs and exhibitions, where he wants India’s story to be strongly showcased.[1]

During the visit, Goyal met Levin Holle, an economic and financial policy adviser to Germany’s Federal Chancellor and Germany’s G7 and G20 Sherpa.[2] He held discussions on strengthening industrial cooperation between India and Germany.[2] The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement was described as having potential to boost bilateral trade and investment.[2] These discussions provide a wider setting for Goyal’s appeal to researchers abroad and his emphasis on presenting Indian innovation at international trade fairs.