Google wants to realise vision of Digital India

Google is continuing to provide support for the Digital India initiative, after pledging to invest US$10 billion into India over the next 5-7 years.

Through the newly announced Google for India Digitisation Fund, the tech giant will endeavour to enable affordable access and information for every Indian in their own language, build new products and services that are deeply relevant to India’s unique needs, empower businesses as they continue or embark on their digital transformation, and leverage technology and AI for social good in areas like health, education and agriculture.

Summarising these efforts as representing Google’s “confidence in the future of India and its digital economy”, Google CEO Sundar Pichai added, “As we make these investments, we look forward to working alongside Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government, as well as Indian businesses of all sizes to realise our shared vision for a Digital India.”

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Digital India is a flagship programme of the Indian government to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, and which Google has supported since 2004, when they opened offices in Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Pichai cited the success of programmes such as Internet Saathi, which was set up in 2015 to help bridge the gender divide and deliver technology to Indian villages.

According to Google, more than 30 million women across India has since benefitted by gaining digital skills that have helped improved their lives and communities.

India has more than 500 million active Internet users in the country, with an estimated 245 million regular users of YouTube.