- Prime Minister on Thursday (August 20, 2026) called for greater engagement between government departments, universities, and the youth to integrate fresh perspectives into policymaking.
- As part of his ongoing outreach to younger generations, PM Modi said that such a wider engagement can birth new and unconventional ideas.
Prime Minister Modi called for a collaborative approach between government, universities, and youth to foster innovative ideas during a high-level meeting on August 20, 2026. He emphasized the need for effective use of data and AI while ensuring human oversight, describing data as a national asset.
Modi's remarks came amid student protests over the NEET paper leak, highlighting the urgency for fresh perspectives in policymaking. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-departmental collaboration. “Silos are not merely an organisational problem but also a problem of mindset,” he stated, urging officials to take ownership of their responsibilities.1
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of research and innovation, particularly in the defense sector, to enhance global competitiveness. He discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to strengthen India’s maritime sector, advocating for a shift from port development to port-led development. Modi called for improved connectivity between manufacturing and export-oriented units to maximize the potential of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
“Emphasised the need for effective use of data and AI, wider engagement with universities, as well as greater focus on research and innovation across sectors,” he said.2
“The call came during PM Modi's ongoing outreach to younger generations, emphasizing that such engagement can birth fresh perspectives. He urged officials to break silos and involve youth more directly in policymaking.”
