Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the G20 Digital Economy Working Group Ministers’ meet, emphasized India’s prowess as a testing ground for innovative solutions, highlighting the transformative impact of India’s digital public infrastructure on global challenges.
Speaking virtually at the event, Prime Minister Modi underscored the diversity that India embodies, with its multitude of languages, religions, and cultural practices. He stated, “India is an incredibly diverse country. We have dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects. It is home to every religion in the world and innumerable cultural practices. From ancient traditions to the latest technology, India has something for everyone.”
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the country’s rich diversity positions it as an ideal testing lab for solutions. “A solution that succeeds in India can be easily applied anywhere in the world,” he noted, expressing India’s willingness to share its experiences and innovations with the global community.
Highlighting India’s commitment to inclusivity, the Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of the India Stacks, an online global public digital goods depository aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
Addressing the security challenges associated with the spread of the digital economy, Modi cautioned G20 representatives and advocated for building consensus on the ‘G20 High Level principles for a secure, trusted and resilient digital economy’.
“We in G20 have a unique opportunity to lay a foundation of an inclusive, prosperous and secure global digital future. We can include financial inclusion and productivity through Digital Public Infrastructure,” said the Prime Minister, underlining the potential for positive change.
Prime Minister Modi also showcased the digital experiments undertaken by the Government of India, notably the transformation brought about by the trinity of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and mobile phones, which revolutionized financial transactions.
Further embracing technology’s potential, he unveiled plans for ‘Bhashini’, an AI-powered language translation platform. Designed to support digital inclusion in India’s diverse linguistic landscape, Bhashini is set to become a significant tool for bridging language barriers.
Haseena Ayoob is a regular contributor of The Chenab Times.