Chronicles Of G20: India’s Soft Technology Revolution & Global Impact

By Saurav Bhaik

One Earth. One Family. One Future. From drawing the blueprints of the ‘cities of tomorrow’, to addressing the global challenge of climate change, we witnessed India steering the critical global agendas under the G20 India presidency. Being hailed as the fastest growing economy, India was bestowed with the privilege of the G20 presidency, as more than forty world leaders convened in Delhi, India. While the nation glimpsed the first-ever historic event, the G20 leaders saw the astounding technological advancement thriving on Indian soil. 

The G20 India presidency channelled its focus on subjects of inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. India is fostering collaborative solutions benefitting its own population and contributing to the broader global well-being. However, the centre of every discussion was technological and digital growth, such as DPI, which is bound to empower and address every crisis. India, having its roots in a rich and diverse culture of an agrarian economy is now a superpower of technological prowess and diplomatic soft power. 

Leveraging Technology 

The rise of emerging technologies such as AI & ML has been a global trend for decades, but India stands out as one of the few countries reaping its rewards across various sectors. The flagship initiatives “Make in India” and “Digital India,” have been instrumental in leveraging technology for economic growth and innovation, propelling India into the ranks of global economic superpowers. 

Digital India has promoted digital literacy, reaching even rural areas, while fostering financial sector growth and enabling E-governance through initiatives like Aadhar and Digilocker. This technological transformation has solidified India’s position on the global stage. 

From a growing economy that relied on others to being the world’s fifth-largest economy with its seat reserved for influencing decisions revolving around global matters, the Indian government solidified its global stand. In the 2023-24 budget alone, the government allocated approximately 16,549 crores to further strengthen its technological infrastructure. These investments have not only improved government-citizen interactions but have also extended technological connectivity to even the remotest rural areas of the country, solidifying India’s global standing and reach.

The World Bank’s G20 report lauded India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), recognising the pivotal role played by technologies like Aadhaar and UPI in expediting financial inclusion within the nation. Currently, with 300 million UPI users and 500 million merchants relying on the platform for payments, the digital revolution in India has reached unprecedented heights. This broad acceptance of UPI has ushered in a cashless transaction era, empowering even small roadside vendors to engage in digital payments. A report by Shiprocket predicts that by 2030, consumer spending in India will surpass $4 trillion, with an astonishing 57% of payments conducted through UPI. This shift underscores the pivotal role of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure in accelerating financial inclusion and economic growth in the country. 

How G20 Exhibitions Unfolded

The G20 events unfolded across several vibrant Indian cities, including Lucknow, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi, casting a spotlight on India’s technological prowess and becoming pivotal highlights of the summit. The Digital India Experience Zone, held in Delhi, served as the zenith of these tech-savvy exhibitions, showcasing India’s soft power to the world. 

With an array of cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, the exhibitions featured a mesmerising array of AI-based interactive installations. These displays underscored the nation’s achievements in implementing Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, UPI, eSanjeevani, DIKSHA, Bhashini, and ONDC. The immersive experiences within these exhibitions garnered recognition and appreciation from delegates worldwide. 

However, the Delhi summit, hosting forty world leaders, witnessed the showstopper – an innovative AI Holobox that greeted VIPs with personalised AI avatars at the Mother of Democracy exhibition. This revolutionary exhibit utilised advanced voice cloning and facial recognition technology to offer tailored welcomes, elevating the discussion of technology by technology itself. Moreover, the Cycling VR Exhibit enabled virtual exploration of India’s transformative Digital India journey, while the Digital Tree exhibit unveiled DPI’s core principles and milestones. G.I.T.A., another remarkable installation, that gave answers to all questions from the revered holy book Shrimad Bhagwad Gita garnered global interest.

These technological marvels showcased an advanced, forward-thinking India, making the G20 events not just highlights but a testament to India’s potential to lead discussions on a global scale through technology. 

India’s Chapter Of Technology 

In the heart of a nation comprising 1.42 billion souls, technology has embarked on a transformative journey, connecting every individual and propelling the country toward unparalleled advancement. This digital revolution has not only enriched our lives but has also uplifted our nation in manifold ways. 

One remarkable testament to the power of technology was witnessed during the awe-inspiring projection mapping show at the historic Qutub Minar. This event illuminated the diverse tapestry of India’s culture, even from its remotest corners, turning a revered monument into a canvas of magnificence. Technology has redefined our celebrations too, exemplified by tech-driven Independence Day campaigns like Rashtragaan, Har Ghar Tiranga, and Meri Mati Mera Desh. These initiatives united millions of Indians through a single portal and a single message: patriotism. 

Hologram projection technology resurrected the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, rekindling the spirit of his principles and values. This marvel could only be achieved through technology’s magic. Museums, once perceived as dull and uninspiring, now offer immersive experiences that bring history to life. The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, a self-sustaining museum, teleports visitors on a 75-year journey alongside India’s prime ministers. Cutting-edge technology, like helicopter VR and AI handwriting robots, blurs the line between reality and illusion, demonstrating India’s technological prowess. 

These remarkable feats are just the beginning of India’s journey into the boundless potential of technology—a journey that promises to unveil new horizons and inspire both our nation and those who dare to achieve the impossible.

(The author is the Founder and CEO of  Tagbin, a tech experiential company who have worked in presenting several ‘Digital India’ exhibit at the G20 Summit in New Delhi)

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