PM Modi’s Meeting with Secretaries Focuses on Chinese Imports, Cybersecurity, and AI Self-Reliance
New Delhi: In a three-and-a-half-hour meeting with secretaries on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns over cheap imports from China, cybersecurity, and the need for self-reliance in artificial intelligence and defence, according to officials present.
The meeting, themed on ‘deregulation and other reforms for ease of doing business and ease of living’ and ‘promoting self-reliance’, saw secretaries from various ministries present their views. Steel Secretary Sandeep Paundrik highlighted that while steel consumption in India is rising, demand in other countries, including China, has fallen. He urged the government to protect Indian players from dumping of foreign products at cheaper rates, noting that some Chinese steel is being routed through ASEAN countries. PM Modi suggested taking necessary steps, pointing out that MSMEs account for roughly 45% of India's crude steel output.
Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi raised concerns about India's high dependence on imported solar cells, despite self-sufficiency in solar panels. He emphasised the need to support domestic manufacturing. Home Secretary Govind Mohan stressed on indigenising cybersecurity systems and AI to prevent foreign powers from weaponising them. Defence Secretary R K Singh highlighted the need for self-reliance in weapons and ammunition, referencing recent conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine.
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan urged all secretaries to make official government websites more user-friendly. PM Modi made a brief observation about the expansion of Ramsar sites and reserved forests, calling for a “whole-of-government approach” and wider use of the PM GatiShakti framework for better decision-making. According to a PMO release, Modi stressed breaking departmental silos and integrated planning.
More than three dozen secretaries spoke for three minutes each. The PM began the meeting on a lighter note, saying he would be in listening mode. He asked secretaries to focus on the tangible impact of schemes on people’s lives.
