New Delhi, October 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the growing role of digital technology in India’s development, saying that digital power has created wider opportunities for citizens and strengthened the country’s ability to contribute to global progress.
Addressing the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said India’s governance approach was guided by the principle of “Power to Empower”. He emphasised that the real value of power lies not merely in advancing one’s own interests, but also in enabling others to grow and succeed.
Modi noted that technology, data, knowledge and innovation have emerged as important sources of power in the 21st century. He said India’s development journey was focused on expanding access to opportunities and ensuring that technological progress benefits a wider section of society. <Cite refs={[“turn459453news0″,”turn459453search1”]}/>
Digital India Expands Access to Opportunities
The Prime Minister highlighted how affordable mobile data and wider internet connectivity have enabled students, small business owners and young people to access educational resources, connect with customers and pursue new opportunities.
He also pointed to India’s digital payments ecosystem, which allows businesses of different sizes, from street vendors to large commercial establishments, to use a common digital infrastructure.
According to Modi, digital connectivity has become more than a means of communication, helping connect people with information, services and economic opportunities.
He also underlined India’s efforts to share its digital public infrastructure experience with partner countries, particularly those in the Global South. The CoWIN platform, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, was cited as an example of India’s approach to making technological capabilities useful beyond its borders. <Cite refs={[“turn459453search1″,”turn459453search2”]}/>
India’s Startup Ecosystem and Innovation
Modi highlighted the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, stating that the country now has more than 2.5 lakh startups, compared with only a few hundred before 2014.
He noted that nearly half of these startups originate from smaller cities and towns, while more than 45 per cent have at least one woman director or partner. These figures, he said, reflect the widening reach of entrepreneurial opportunities and the emergence of talent from different parts of the country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s growing renewable energy capacity and initiatives aimed at expanding access to solar power. He said technological advancement and innovation could create new economic opportunities while contributing to broader development goals. <Cite refs={[“turn459453search1″,”turn459453news5”]}/>
India Highlights Economic Strength Amid Global Uncertainty
Speaking about India’s economic outlook, Modi cited a GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the April–June quarter of the current financial year and foreign exchange reserves exceeding 700 billion US dollars.
He also referred to reforms in taxation, insolvency and labour legislation, describing the government’s reform agenda as an ongoing effort to improve the country’s economic framework.
The Prime Minister said India was advancing through a period of global uncertainty by focusing on collective growth, cooperation and stability. He also highlighted the country’s role in supplying affordable medicines, providing skilled talent and supporting digital development internationally.
‘Power to Empower’ as a Global Vision
Modi said India’s approach was based on the belief that national capabilities should help create opportunities for others. He referred to the country’s broader vision of international cooperation in areas such as public health, climate change, energy and emerging technologies.
The Bloomberg New Economy Forum, being held in India for the first time, brings together international business leaders, policymakers and other participants to discuss economic, technological and global challenges.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the forum would encourage dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that shared progress and cooperation can help address common global challenges.