 |
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) assesses countries across four key pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. India’s impressive performance in the 2024 NRI underscores its emerging status as a digital powerhouse.
India’s overall score improved significantly from 49.9 in 2023 to 53.6 in 2024, showcasing steady progress. This advancement is underpinned by its remarkable achievements in various specific indicators.
India leads the way in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports, ranking first globally in these areas. Additionally, the country secures second place in FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions, mobile broadband internet traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
The nation’s domestic market scale and annual investment in telecommunication services further solidify its position, ranking third and fourth, respectively.
These accomplishments reflect India’s strategic focus on cutting-edge technologies, enhanced connectivity infrastructure, and the thriving ICT services sector, all of which contribute to its rising digital competitiveness.
India’s Ascendancy in Regional and Global Context
India’s inclusion in the top 50 global economies, and its status as South Asia’s leading digital economy, is a testament to its technological infrastructure, innovation, and digital governance prowess.
The country’s dominance is evident in its robust ICT exports and large-scale adoption of broadband technologies. By leveraging its vast domestic market and talent pool, India has established a strong global presence, solidifying its leadership position in the region.
Catalysts of India’s Success
- Technology: India has made pivotal advancements in technology infrastructure, with investments in high-speed broadband, fiber optics, and mobile connectivity. This has resulted in a robust digital ecosystem, serving nearly 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and over 800 million internet users.
Initiatives such as Digital India, BharatNet, and the push for 5G technology have accelerated technological growth, ensuring reliable and affordable internet access even in remote rural areas.
- People: India’s digital literacy programs and a growing base of skilled professionals have significantly contributed to its NRI ranking. Ranking first in AI talent concentration, the country showcases its ability to nurture and retain top talent.
Initiatives like Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, along with private sector partnerships, have enhanced the workforce’s digital readiness. Additionally, India’s youth-driven demographic fuels its digital economy with a strong appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Governance: Proactive digital policies and regulations have fostered a conducive environment for growth. The implementation of the Personal Data Protection Bill, emphasis on cybersecurity, and establishment of regulatory bodies for AI and emerging technologies highlight India’s commitment to ethical and sustainable digital governance.
These measures safeguard citizens’ digital rights while promoting the responsible use of technology.
- Impact: India’s digital transformation is having a profound socioeconomic impact. Increased internet and mobile connectivity have empowered citizens, especially in rural areas, by providing access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and financial services.
Initiatives like Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity and UPI have revolutionized financial inclusion, enabling seamless digital transactions. Moreover, India’s leadership in ICT exports has created significant economic opportunities, boosting GDP growth and job creation.
Competing on a Global Scale
India’s top ranking in AI scientific publications and ICT services exports underscores its competitive edge in the global market. The ICT sector is a significant contributor to India’s GDP, with exports exceeding $200 billion annually.
The country’s investment in AI research, coupled with a thriving startup ecosystem, solidifies its position as a major player in the global technology landscape.
India’s remarkable performance in the NRI 2024 not only places it among the top 50 global economies but also cements its dominance in South Asia. The country’s advancements in technology, human capital, governance, and impact position it as a leader in the digital era, poised to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for its citizens.
“Europe: A Vital Strategic Region, Germany: Our Key Partner”: Indian PM Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the India-Germany strategic partnership, celebrating 25 years of strong ties. He underscored Europe’s pivotal role for India, highlighting the region’s significance in trade and geopolitical relations.
Unlocking Energy Potential: India, Nepal, and Bangladesh Pioneer Trilateral Power Flow
On Friday, the Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, inaugurated a landmark event: the first trilateral power flow transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh. This historic occasion was hosted virtually by Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, marking a significant step forward in regional energy cooperation.
The Power of the Buddha’s Teachings: Abhidhamma Divas Celebrates the Enlightened One’s Legacy and the Revival of the Pali Language
The International Buddhist Confederation celebrated the recognition of Pali as a classical language by the Centre, an occasion that marked the ‘Abhidhamma Divas’.
“Maldives’ Digital Revolution: President Muizzu Heralds India as a Key Leader in the Country’s Technological Transformation”
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives underscored India’s pivotal role as a technological powerhouse and innovator as his own nation stands poised at the precipice of a digital transformation.
PM Modi to Embark on Landmark Laos Visit: Attending the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a visit to Laos on October 10-11, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday. This visit holds significant timing as India commemorates a decade since the inception of the Act East Policy.
