During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 visit to the United States, Google CEO Sundar Pichai praises PM Modi vision for India’s digital future, particularly emphasizing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the nation. Pichai’s remarks came after a high-profile roundtable discussion in New York where PM Modi met with several global tech leaders to discuss India’s growing role in the technology sector. Pichai highlighted Modi’s continued efforts to position India as a major global hub for digital innovation, specifically through the Digital India initiative.
PM Modi’s Push for Digital India and AI
Since launching the Digital India campaign in 2015, PM Modi has focused on leveraging technology to improve governance, deliver public services, and create economic opportunities for millions of Indians. According to Sundar Pichai, PM Modi’s vision is far-sighted and transformative, particularly in its emphasis on AI-driven solutions for India’s most critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Pichai mentioned, “The Prime Minister has been focused on transforming India with his Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, designing in India.” He praised Modi’s commitment to exploring the potential of AI, ensuring it benefits the Indian population by addressing major societal challenges. From improving healthcare access to modernizing education and increasing agricultural productivity, PM Modi has urged tech companies to focus on AI applications that have a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Google's AI Investments in India
Google has been a crucial partner in supporting India’s digital transformation journey. Over the past few years, the company has made significant strides in AI research and development in India. Pichai highlighted how Google has been working with various Indian ministries, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to develop AI-driven solutions for key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.
“We are robustly investing in AI in India and we look forward to doing more,” Pichai said, adding that the company has collaborated with central and state governments on multiple programs aimed at using AI to improve governance, streamline public service delivery, and tackle environmental challenges. Additionally, Google has developed AI tools for Indian languages, ensuring that technology becomes more inclusive for a multilingual country like India.
Google Pixel Manufacturing in India: A Milestone
One of the most notable achievements of Google’s collaboration with India is the manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India. Pichai mentioned how PM Modi has continuously encouraged tech companies to manufacture in India as part of his Make in India initiative. The push for local production, combined with a favorable investment climate, has resulted in Google ramping up its Pixel smartphone production in India.
“We are proud to now make our Pixel phones manufactured in India,” Pichai remarked during his meeting with PM Modi. This decision marks a major milestone for both Google and India’s efforts to become a key player in the global tech industry. The manufacturing of Pixel phones in India not only boosts local production but also creates employment opportunities and strengthens India’s position as a tech manufacturing hub.
PM Modi’s Focus on AI for Public Good
One of the key takeaways from Sundar Pichai’s remarks was PM Modi’s focus on ensuring that AI serves the greater good. While AI presents enormous potential for economic growth, PM Modi has consistently advocated for AI-driven solutions that directly address India’s pressing challenges. Pichai reiterated that Modi’s vision goes beyond technological advancement for profit—he wants to make sure that AI innovations improve the quality of life for ordinary Indians.
“He has a clear vision both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create. But he wants to make sure ultimately AI is there to benefit the people of India,” Pichai said, noting that PM Modi has challenged Google and other tech companies to think about how AI can transform sectors like education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
For instance, AI-driven healthcare solutions are already making strides in India, with Google supporting initiatives that use AI to detect diseases early and predict health risks. In the agricultural sector, AI is being leveraged to improve crop yields, monitor weather patterns, and provide real-time support to farmers, enabling them to make better-informed decisions. These applications of AI, which are in line with PM Modi’s vision, ensure that technology is used for social welfare, not just economic gain.
Google’s Future Plans for India
Looking ahead, Google is planning further investments in AI and other digital infrastructure in India. The company is committed to expanding its data centers, improving power infrastructure, and continuing its partnerships with both the Indian government and the private sector. Pichai emphasized that Google’s role in India is not just limited to technological advancements but also includes contributing to India’s digital economy through job creation and skills development.
India, with its rapidly growing digital ecosystem, remains a priority for Google. PM Modi’s Digital India vision has laid the groundwork for future innovations that could transform the country’s economy, and Google is eager to be part of that transformation. “We look forward to doing more in India, and partnering with the Indian government and its citizens in this journey,” Pichai concluded.
Conclusion: A Strong Partnership for India’s Future
PM Modi’s Digital India initiative has undoubtedly positioned India as a global leader in technology adoption and innovation. With strong partnerships like those with Google, India is set to leverage AI, big data, and digital technologies to solve its most pressing challenges while driving economic growth.
Google’s commitment to AI investment, local manufacturing, and its partnership with the Indian government demonstrates how technology giants are aligning their business strategies with India’s developmental goals. Sundar Pichai’s praise for PM Modi’s leadership reflects the confidence global tech companies have in India’s ability to emerge as a major AI hub and a digital superpower.
As India continues its digital transformation, the collaboration between tech companies and the Indian government will be crucial in realizing the full potential of AI and digital technologies for the benefit of millions of people across the country.
