PM Modi Discusses with WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Representatives, Compares Skill Training Institutes to IITs and IIMs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the representatives of Team India for the WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. On this occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the participants for representing India on a global platform and urged them to become ambassadors for skill development.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of practical skills, stating that they are as significant as academic degrees. He noted that as technology evolves rapidly, youth must continuously acquire new skills, upgrade their existing capabilities, and embrace emerging technologies. Clarifying the objective behind establishing a separate ministry for skill development, the Prime Minister stated that the importance of skill training institutes is no less than that of IITs and IIMs.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the need for coordinated efforts between the youth, the government, and training institutions to establish India as a global center for skilled human resources. He urged the participants to develop skills according to international market requirements and to contribute to the improvement of India's skill training ecosystem through their experiences.

The participants shared their experiences of adopting new equipment, software, technical systems, and work processes during the competition. They expressed pride in representing the country on a world stage and discussed the government's ongoing efforts toward skill development.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the 48th WorldSkills competition, was held from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. India was represented by its largest delegation to date, consisting of 70 competitors who participated in 63 different skill categories. Team India secured the 10th position overall, winning 6 silver medals and 20 medals of excellence.

The interaction was also attended by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, along with senior officials from the Government of India.