Commerce Ministry starts mapping AI-proof professions, says Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said his ministry has begun work on finding professions that AI is less likely to hit. The remarks were first reported by The Hindu. He made them on Friday, October 23, 2026, at an interaction with Indian students and researchers in science and technology based in Germany.

Goyal said: "I got my Ministry to start working on what are the AI-proof professions. After all, we have to plan as a nation for so many millions of people. What are the sectors where AI can at max add to efficiency, not necessarily replace (human workforce)" He named tourism, culinary arts, handloom and handicrafts as areas where India could lead. On craft work, he said: "… our handicraft, handloom… no amount of AI can replace that."

On how this would work, Goyal said: "It'll be a mix of several initiatives, some privately led, some government led, some people led, some opportunity led" Support will come where needed, he said, but not every activity will need incentives.

Goyal also said he is exploring ways to bring Indian researchers, engineers and scientists abroad back to India. In his words: "And surprisingly, I realise it's not just about money; it's about the enabling environment, the support of the ecosystem." The report said about 3,30,000 people of Indian origin live in Germany, plus nearly 60-70,000 students. His visit is aimed at talks on India-Germany trade and investment.