The system leverages open digital infrastructure to assist governments in providing services efficiently. India’s Digital Public Inf...
The system leverages open digital infrastructure to assist governments in providing services efficiently.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is gaining traction as a development approach in the Global South, with nations turning to its open frameworks that have led to swift enhancements in services, officially acknowledged during the country's G20 leadership.
The DPI utilizes public infrastructure and private advancements, supported by regulations, enabling nations to expand services while maintaining open and compatible systems.
Technology serves as a tool for governmental authority,Jawed Ashraf,former Indian High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to France and Monaco, from the Indian Foreign Service, remarked during a panel at theSingapore FinTech Festival 2025.
In the US, it serves as a tool for corporate dominance," Ashraf stated. "In India, digital technology can become a force for the people.
Furthermore, the DPI serves as a method for nations to prevent division and inconsistent access.
In the meantime, India's G20 presidency further advanced this strategy. The nation established the Social Impact Fund and provided $25 million in initial funding to secure G20 acknowledgment for digital public infrastructure systems, even amid strong opposition from some of the "most powerful" countries, according to Ashraf.
Consistent with this, the interest in the model has been shaped by India's own experiences.Amitabh Kant,The former G20 Sherpa of India stated that the nation utilizes digital platforms to process payments, credit, insurance, and stock market transactions in under a minute through mobile devices.
He mentioned that India managed to "accomplish 50 years of advancement in seven years" through the development of digital frameworks that are open, compatible, and broadly available.
In the meantime, the DPI was associated with a larger transformation in the global economy. "As per the IMF and World Bank, three-quarters of global growth over the next three decades will originate from middle and emerging markets," Kant stated, referencing demographic patterns, such as the aging populations in the US, Europe, and Japan.
On the other hand, current global frameworks are no longer in line with the requirements of these economies. "International organizations, which were established after the"–From the World War II period, have surpassed their usefulness.”
Furthermore, previous phases of fast growth—like those experienced in Japan, South Korea, and China—relied on increasing international trade and efficient supply networks. "Currently, global value chains are 'being disrupted because of protectionism and tariffs."
Although facing these challenges, the industry is moving into a time of remarkable productivity fueled by data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Regarding India, he mentioned that the capacity to add services over public digital infrastructure has boosted financial inclusion and lowered service delivery expenses for both governments and banks.
“The question for the Global South"Now is the time to determine whether it can utilize its own data and computational resources to develop local large language models and ensure technological independence, or whether it will continue to rely on the West," Kant added.
Here is a portion of the panel conversation below:
Preeti Dawra, the Head of Communications at the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN): What has India been attempting in the past year to promote entrepreneurship, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence?
Kant: When the Startup India initiative was launched, there were slightly more than 100 startups. Now, the number has grown to approximately 180,000 startups, along with over 160 unicorns. The Indian IPO market has remained highly active, with numerous IPOs receiving subscriptions between 40 and 50 times, indicating the strong interest of the Indian public in startups. Several of these startups have made remarkable and groundbreaking innovations.
A key element of our strategy is the ability to leverage AI within our digital public infrastructure. Lee Kuan Yew once remarked that India's diversity and chaos stem from its numerous languages. Yet, in the realm of AI, linguistic variety presents a significant benefit. With DPI and AI solutions such as Bhashini, someone residing in a remote region can communicate in their native dialect. India has 22 official languages along with thousands of regional variations. By utilizing voice instead of text, people can finish government paperwork, apply for assistance, and obtain services—all facilitated by AI-driven digital public infrastructure.
Dawra: Which are the three main industries or sectors that India is focusing on currently, which the global community should collaborate with—and what is the reason behind this?
Kant: Firstly, India has made pioneering contributions in the field of green energy. More than half of our energy now comes from renewable sources. Just three days ago, it surpassed 51%, reaching 253 gigawatts of renewable energy. The next phase is to utilize this renewable energy for generating green hydrogen, aiming to become the world's most cost-effective producer and supply ammonia on a global scale. My primary focus, therefore, is on green hydrogen.
Second, India is undertaking a major initiative in the electronics sector. Apple is making substantial investments in manufacturing, and we have launched both the Production-Linked Incentive and an additional program focused on component production. This will lead to considerable growth in the production of electronic components and generate numerous employment opportunities.
Third, India serves as the global pharmacy and vaccine hub. Many individuals might not be aware that, without India, the world would have faced significant challenges in handling COVID-19. The pharmaceutical and vaccine industries contribute greatly and help elevate India's standing in the global value chain. In my opinion, these three sectors—green hydrogen, electronics, and pharmaceuticals—are essential for India's future.
Ashraf:With a population of 1.4 billion, a median age of 28, and economic growth ranging from six to seven percent for most people, the future remains to be constructed. I can't imagine any sector that isn't profitable, whether it's traditional industries or those of the future. It's less about where to invest and more about how to do it effectively. Doing the right thing matters, but executing it properly is just as essential.
India presents a huge sea of possibilities. The nation provides genuine stability in an unstable world, unique geopolitical benefits, exceptional trust, and, as I noted earlier, favorable demographics, strong consumer demand, a welcoming atmosphere, dynamic individuals, hope, and assurance. All these factors suggest that in India, no sector lacks opportunities, whether in traditional industries or new ones.
What stands out—particularly from the viewpoint of Singapore—is that India has emerged as a key focus for Singaporean investors. This is clear in how we are organizing our interactions, such as through the inter-ministerial roundtable, which is yielding measurable benefits.
COMMENTS