PM Modi Meets Bill Gates To Discuss India’s Digital Revolution; Latter Praises India As ‘Digital Government’

During a casual discussion at the Prime Minister’s residence on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates covered various topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Digital Public Infrastructure and initiatives to address climate change. Gates commended Indians for their rapid adoption of technology and their leadership in this regard, while PM Modi encouraged him to use the Photo Booth feature on the Namo App to take a selfie.

PM Modi-Bill Gates talk about 2023 G20 Summit

Discussing the 2023 G20 Summit which concluded last year under India’s presidency, PM Modi said, “We had extensive discussions before the G20 Summit and as you might have seen, the Summit’s proceedings took a lot of turns. I believe we have now aligned with G20’s core purposes & objectives, bringing them to the mainstream. I hope your first-hand experience echoes this sentiment.”

Bill Gates responded, “G20 is way more inclusive and so it is fantastic to see India hosting it – really raised things like digital innovations and how the south-south collaboration can be far more than just the dialogue with the north…Our foundation is so excited about the past results that you have achieved here in India, that we would be a partner in trying to take that into many other countries.”

Also Read: Shocking Allegations Made By Umar Ansari As Father Mukhtar Died At The Age Of 63

PM Modi-Bill Gates on India’s digital revolution

Talking about the digital revolution in India, PM Modi said, “During the G20 Summit in Indonesia, representatives from around the world expressed their curiosity about the digital revolution in the country. I explained to them that we have democratised technology to prevent monopoly. It is by the people and for the people.”

Bill Gates praised India and said that the country has a “digital government”. He said, “India is not only adapting technology but it is actually leading the way.”

Prime Minister Modi informed Bill Gates about the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, emphasizing its role in advancing technology adoption in India, particularly among women.

He said, “When I used to hear about the digital divide in the world, I used to think that I would not allow anything like that to happen in my country. Digital public infrastructure is a major requirement in itself…Women are more open to adopting new technology in India…I have started ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme…This is going on very successfully. I interact with them these days, they are delighted. They say that they didn’t know to ride a bicycle but they are now pilots and can fly drones. The mindset has changed.”