New Delhi [India], February 15: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of technological advancements, particularly in drones and artificial intelligence (AI).
In a post on X, Gandhi shared a video illustrating how drones have transformed warfare by integrating batteries, motors, and optics, enabling unprecedented maneuverability and communication on the battlefield.
He emphasized that drones are not merely a single technology but the result of bottom-up innovations driven by a strong industrial ecosystem.
Gandhi expressed concern that PM Modi has not fully grasped this aspect.
He added that while the Prime Minister delivers speeches on AI, India’s competitors are rapidly advancing in emerging technologies.
The Congress MP urged that India must focus on building a strong production base rather than relying solely on rhetoric.
He emphasized the country’s immense talent, scale, and potential, calling for a clear vision and real industrial strength to create jobs for the youth and position India as a global leader in the future.
Earlier this month, while participating in the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha, Gandhi noted that production is the foundation of India’s national security and key to job creation.
He highlighted competition from China, stating that China has been working on batteries, robots, motors, and optics for the past ten years and currently has at least a decade-long lead over India in this sector.
The Congress leader alleged that the Modi government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative has failed to revive manufacturing, citing that the sector’s share in GDP has declined from 15.3% in 2014 to 12.6%, the lowest in the past 60 years.
Gandhi emphasized that with the right vision, India can catch up and realign education, enlist experts, widely spread finance, and align trade and foreign policies.
He concluded by stating that production is also the foundation of national security, and dependence on Chinese imports like motors and batteries puts India at risk.