India, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for India to build domestic capabilities in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and 6G technology on Saturday, as he outlined a push to make the country an innovation and manufacturing hub rather than merely a market for global technology.

In his address from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said the country should develop next-generation communications technologies, expand semiconductor manufacturing, and prepare 10 million young people with AI skills over the coming year. He also flagged rising electricity demand from AI and data centres as a reason to strengthen India's energy security.

"We should not let the country become a market for the wo...