19 August 2023, Mumbai: In an address at the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meet held in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s remarkable journey of digital transformation and its unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive digital development. The event, attended by dignitaries from around the world, served as a platform for discussions on the future landscape of the digital economy.
Bengaluru: The Ideal Hub for G20 Digital Economy Deliberations
Bengaluru, a city renowned for its contributions to science, technology, and entrepreneurship, played host to the event, with Prime Minister Modi extending a warm welcome to the attendees. He emphasized Bengaluru’s significance as an ideal location to deliberate upon the digital economy’s intricacies and opportunities.
Prime Minister Modi Chronicles the Journey
Highlighting India’s transformational voyage into the digital era, Prime Minister Modi traced its origins back to the initiation of the Digital India initiative in 2015. He attributed the nation’s digital leap to a combination of innovative approaches, expeditious implementation, and a strong ethos of inclusivity. The Prime Minister noted that the extent and speed of this metamorphosis have surpassed all expectations.
Unprecedented Digital Landscape: India’s Remarkable Achievements
India’s digital landscape has expanded exponentially, with over 850 million internet users. Innovative programs like Aadhaar, encompassing more than 1.3 billion citizens, and the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity have revolutionized financial inclusion. Notably, India also witnesses nearly 10 billion monthly transactions on the UPI instant payment system, contributing to over 45 percent of global real-time payments.
Digital Triumphs Across Sectors
The country’s digital prowess is evident in various domains. The CoWIN portal played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the Covid vaccination campaign. The Gati-Shakti platform has enhanced infrastructure and logistics, while the Government e-Marketplace ensures transparent procurement. The Open Network for Digital Commerce democratizes e-commerce, and digitized taxation systems promote transparency and e-governance. Additionally, the upcoming AI-powered language translation platform, Bhashini, holds promising potential.
A Landmark Initiative for Inclusive Digital Solutions
Prime Minister Modi underscored India’s unique diversity, presenting it as an ideal testing ground for scalable, secure, and inclusive solutions that can benefit the global community. He proudly announced the creation of the India Stack, a Global Public Digital Goods Repository, designed to foster inclusivity, especially among nations in the Global South.
PM Modi’s Call for Digital Infrastructure Repository
Addressing international delegates, Prime Minister Modi expressed support for establishing a G20 virtual Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository. He proposed the creation of a Common Framework for Digital Public Infrastructure and initiatives to facilitate cross-country comparisons of digital skills. He also welcomed the concept of a Virtual Centre of Excellence on Digital Skilling.
G20’s Role in Crafting a Resilient Digital Economy
In light of the digital economy’s global expansion, Prime Minister Modi urged the G20 to prioritize the development of high-level principles. These principles would foster a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy, countering emerging security threats and challenges effectively.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi stressed the potential of technology to connect the world and drive inclusive and sustainable development. He called for unwavering conviction, commitment, coordination, and collaboration to construct a global ecosystem of technology-driven solutions to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Prime Minister Modi’s address at the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meet eloquently underscored India’s determination to shape a prosperous and inclusive global digital future through innovation and collaborative efforts.