India’s AI-Ready Workforce; Industry-Led Skilling Propel Nation As Preferred GCC Investment Destination

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said India’s AI-ready workforce and industry-led skilling initiatives are generating fresh opportunities for the middle class while establishing the country as the preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

FM Sitharaman addressed a panel discussion titled “How to Promote the Rise of a New Middle Class?” at the Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence in France. Aix-Marseille University hosted the event.

She outlined India’s roadmap for inclusive economic growth through innovation, skills, entrepreneurship and social welfare.

Sitharaman said artificial intelligence is creating significant opportunities across sectors. She noted that industry-supported skilling programmes are equipping India’s workforce with the capabilities required for emerging technologies.

The Finance Minister said India’s AI-ready workforce drives innovation and positions the country as the preferred GCC destination.

FM Sitharaman said the government follows a comprehensive development model to improve living standards.

She said affordable housing, interest subsidies, skill development and internships form the core of this strategy.

Sitharaman added that concessional loans help aspiring entrepreneurs expand the middle class and build sustainable livelihoods.

She emphasised that the government’s vision extends beyond poverty alleviation. Instead, it aims to empower citizens with sustainable livelihoods, stronger economic security and long-term prosperity.

The Finance Minister highlighted that these integrated policies enable individuals to build successful careers, establish enterprises and contribute to India’s expanding innovation-driven economy.

The discussion also featured Portugal’s Minister of State and Finance Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui, and Nexity Chief Executive Officer Véronique Bédague.

The panellists exchanged views on strengthening the middle class amid evolving global economic conditions and emerging development challenges.

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