New Delhi: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT, commended India's technological prowess and its pivotal role in driving digitalization during a conversation with Andrew Staples, Editorial Director at the Economist Impact, held in New Delhi.
Highlighting India's technological advancements, Rajeev Chandrasekhar showcased Chandrayaan 3 as a testament to the nation's capability in successfully implementing cutting-edge technology. He underscored India's burgeoning potential in promoting inclusivity through technology, stating, "This juncture is incredibly exciting for India's tech sphere as we are cultivating profound technological capabilities. Few could have envisioned us reaching this stage."
Chandrashekhar expressed, "We are a nation of immense capabilities, with Chandrayaan 3 exemplifying our proficiency in harnessing these deep technological capabilities. This self-assurance leads me to believe in the realization of our Prime Minister's vision, where the digital economy constitutes 20-25% of the total GDP."
The Minister also delineated India's role in aiding countries that have lagged behind in technology and digitalization through the India stack, notably the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative, as highlighted in the press release by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Chandrashekhar stated, "The DPI has evolved into an incredibly significant discourse today, gaining momentum against the backdrop of India's G20 presidency. India has now become a case study—a nation that has harnessed technological tools for advancement and growth."
He continued, "This approach is progressively gaining traction among nations that have faced technological disparities, as they look to emulate India's lead. By adopting the India stack—an open-source digital framework—they aim to digitize their own governments," Chandrasekhar elucidated.
Reflecting on India's journey, the Minister emphasized the delicate balance between safeguarding citizens' rights and fostering innovation. He expressed optimism that the G20 would motivate global corporations to perceive India as a dependable collaborator, thereby contributing to a global order founded on trust.
"I anticipate the G20 to encourage multinational corporations invested in globalization to recognize India as a reliable, enduring ally. This arrangement would yield mutual benefits, while laying the groundwork for a trust-driven global arrangement," noted Chandrashekhar.
He affirmed the necessity for parameters governing citizens' data processing and its ethical utilization. "As the Government of India, we take our responsibility of upholding equilibrium and symmetry between individual rights, data protection, and innovation exceptionally seriously," the Minister reiterated.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar's remarks underscore India's escalating influence in the global tech arena and its steadfast commitment to global technological inclusivity, innovation, and data protection.
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