On Friday, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss progress and various innovation that took birth in India that could benefit the world. In his latest blog ‘GatesNotes’, Gates praised India’s health, development and climate progress, saying India is showing what is possible with investments in innovation.
Here’s what Gates had to say about India.
- Vaccine Policy: Gates praised India’s vaccine policy and delivery system, highlighting the Co-WIN portal the government has developed to facilitate Covid-19 related services. He also supported Modi’s claim that the Co-WIN model could be implemented globally, saying vaccines produced in India have saved millions of lives during the pandemic and prevented other diseases around the world.
- Digital payment system: Gates hailed the arrival of the Aadhaar card as revolutionizing India’s digital payment system, saying that India has made financial inclusion a priority by investing in a digital identity system and creating an innovative platform for digital banking.
- Gati Shakti Program: Gates praised the country’s Gati Shakti Program, which digitally connects 16 ministries, including railways and roads, to unify infrastructure project planning and accelerate the work of Indian scientists and engineers. He called it “a great example of how digital technologies can help governments work better.”
- G20 Presidency: Gates noted that the India-led G20 Presidency is a great opportunity for India to bring innovation to the world. He also highlighted the collaboration between the Gates Foundation and the government, saying supporting digital identity and payment system initiatives is a top priority.
- Eliminating Disease: Gates praised Modi’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, calaazar and other diseases, and the country’s digital initiatives to keep schools running during the pandemic. Climate change also remained a key focus in their discussions and Gates said his foundation would seek areas to work with ‘Mission Innovation’ (a global clean energy initiative of which India is also a partner).
