Addressing the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to attendees, gathering in the tech hub of India, Bengaluru. Acknowledging the city’s reputation as a hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship, he highlighted its significance as an ideal setting to deliberate on the digital economy’s evolution.
PM Modi hailed India’s remarkable digital journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, as the catalyst for this transformation. The initiative, fueled by a spirit of innovation, fast-track implementation, and inclusion, has propelled India’s digital growth. With more than 850 million internet users, India boasts some of the most affordable data costs globally, indicative of its rapid digital progress.
“The Prime Minister outlined key milestones that underscore India’s digital evolution. The Aadhaar digital identity platform, covering over 1.3 billion people, has revolutionized governance and financial inclusion. Modi spotlighted the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile—which has facilitated over 10 billion transactions monthly through the UPI instant payment system. Notably, over 45% of the world’s real-time payments transpire in India”.
“Efficiency, transparency, and inclusion have been cornerstones of India’s digital transition. The CoWIN portal was integral in administering over 2 billion Covid vaccine doses and generating digitally verifiable certificates. The Gati-Shakti platform, utilizing technology and spatial planning, has streamlined infrastructure logistics. Initiatives like the Government e-Marketplace have instilled transparency in public procurement”.
Modi emphasized the international relevance of India’s diverse landscape. The country’s varied languages, cultures, and practices offer a testing ground for innovative solutions. He underscored India’s commitment to sharing its experiences globally, exemplified by offering the CoWIN platform during the pandemic. The India Stack, a digital repository, was established to ensure inclusivity, especially for the Global South.
PM Modi praised the G20’s efforts to establish a transparent, accountable digital ecosystem through frameworks for digital public infrastructure and digital skills development. He also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and advocated for consensus on G20 High-Level Principles to ensure a secure digital economy.
From a forward-looking perspective, Modi envisioned a digital future that empowers all segments of society. He urged the G20 to facilitate financial inclusion, enhance productivity through digital infrastructure, empower farmers and small businesses, and create a global digital health ecosystem. Modi stressed the necessity of a framework for responsible artificial intelligence use and the broader deployment of technology-based solutions to address global challenges.
Concluding with a call for “Conviction, Commitment, Coordination, and Collaboration,” PM Modi expressed his confidence in the G20’s ability to shape an inclusive and prosperous global digital future. As leaders continue their discussions, the path forward appears clear: harnessing the power of technology to uplift humanity while ensuring its responsible and secure use.
