India’s Best Ever WorldSkills Performance Sparks Call for Stronger Skill Ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian contingent that achieved a record performance at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition. The interaction, held at the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, saw the leader applaud the medal winners and encourage them to sustain their excellence.

A short video released on social media captured Modi praising the participants for showcasing Indian talent on a global stage. He expressed satisfaction in engaging with the young achievers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurture their potential.

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of a dedicated Ministry of Skill Development, insisting that skill training institutes are as crucial as the country’s acclaimed IITs and IIMs. He invited the athletes to share their insights and suggestions to help refine the nation’s skill development framework.

The 48th WorldSkills competition, hosted from 22 to 27 September at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center, marked India’s most successful outing. The nation earned six silver medals, twenty “Medalist for Excellence” awards and climbed to the 10th position overall, a notable improvement from the 13th place secured in Lyon 2024.

Such progress underscores the expanding proficiency of India’s workforce and its increasing visibility in global skill events. The six‑day contest attracted more than 1,400 participants from about 70 countries, competing across 63 skill categories that ranged from emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing to engineering, creative industries and services.

India sent its largest delegation to date—70 young competitors—covering the full spectrum of categories. Following four days of intense competition, the closing ceremony on 27 September honoured the medalists.

The participation was organized by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with the support of sector skill councils, industry partners, training institutions and technical experts.