In a landmark declaration at the G20 New Delhi Summit, world leaders have come together to outline a forward-looking vision that hinges on the integration of technology, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), and robust digital public infrastructure (DPI).
This declaration underscores the importance of international cooperation and governance to ensure the safety, security, trustworthiness, accountability, and inclusivity of the digital public infrastructure. The tech industry has applauded this initiative, recognizing its potential to shape the future of technology and promote responsible digital development.
G20 Leaders’ Vision for a Tech-Infused Future
The G20 declaration, born out of the New Delhi Summit, has ignited optimism within the global tech community. Ashish Saraf, the VP and Country Director for India at Thales, a French digital innovation company, lauded the declaration for presenting a comprehensive vision for a future improved by technology, emphasizing the crucial role of responsible AI and digital public infrastructure. This vision has set the stage for discussions on international governance that can ensure the safety and inclusivity of the digital landscape.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the Founder and CEO of Paytm, extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in realizing this vision. He also commended G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant for his tireless efforts in securing the declaration’s approval. Sharma’s words reflect the significance of this momentous declaration and its implications for India’s tech leadership on the global stage.
India’s Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide
One of the central pillars of the G20 declaration is a commitment to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the establishment of the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR). Amit Jaju, Senior Managing Director at Ankura Consulting Group (India), hailed this commitment as a testament to India’s dedication to bridging the digital divide. DPI holds the potential to foster an inclusive, open, and secure global digital economy, positioning India as a digital superpower.
Rishi Agrawal, CEO and Co-founder of Compliance Management Software Company Teamlease Regtech, underscored the importance of India’s role in promoting the accelerated adoption of DPIs worldwide. He emphasized that DPIs will pave the way for an inclusive, secure, and open digital economy that can benefit nations across the developing and developed world.
Leaders from various sectors of the tech industry have expressed their excitement and commitment to the G20 declaration’s principles. Varun Tangri, CEO of Business software QueueBuster, highlighted how the government’s dedication solidifies the vision of the retail sector and reinforces its future prospects. The tech industry recognizes that this commitment represents a turning point in shaping the digital landscape.
Siva Prasad Nanduri, CEO of Diensten Tech Ltd (DTL), emphasized that the declaration will ensure the safety and security of all digital transactions, offering significant opportunities in the fintech, security, and data center sectors. The commitment to digital infrastructure aligns with India’s aspirations to create smart living communities.
Ajit Thomas, Co-founder and CMO of Cavli Wireless, pointed out India’s remarkable progress in digital infrastructure, particularly in payments and finance, and stressed that it is now India’s turn to make significant strides in enabling smart living communities through advanced digital infrastructure.
A Commitment for Digital Infrastructure Development
The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) underscored the G20 declaration’s emphasis on creating a safe, secure, trusted, accountable, and inclusive digital public infrastructure. ADIF emphasized the importance of prioritizing human rights, personal data protection, privacy, and intellectual property rights in the digital age. This approach aims to strike a balance between technological advancements and ethical considerations, ensuring that digital infrastructure benefits society while respecting individual rights and fostering innovation.
In conclusion, the G20 leaders have set a visionary course for the future by highlighting the pivotal role of digital infrastructure and responsible AI. Their commitment to international cooperation and governance in the digital realm has received widespread praise from the tech industry, which sees this declaration as a cornerstone for responsible and inclusive digital development on a global scale. India’s leadership in promoting Digital Public Infrastructure further positions the nation as a key player in shaping the digital future.
