Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised the need to make technology and digital services affordable and accessible, particularly for the Global South, to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. Interacting with Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Board members at Seva Teerth ahead of the India Mobile Congress, he stressed that democratisation of technology and its reach to the last mile are essential to prevent a widening digital divide.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), particularly for developing countries. He noted that discussions on DPI with several world leaders had demonstrated its growing global relevance and said such platforms could serve as a springboard for countries across the Global South, according to a press release by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Addressing the growing challenge of digital and cyber fraud, PM Modi called for technology-driven solutions and suggested sustained awareness campaigns to alert users about potential fraudulent calls.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for global standards and common rules to govern emerging technologies. Referring to the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated content, PM Modi suggested exploring mechanisms that would enable users to readily identify the origin of such content.
The PM took to X and posted:
“In my interaction with the GSMA Board, stressed the following:
Technology for the last mile.
Affordable access for the Global South.
DPI as a force multiplier.
Technology-led solutions to cyber fraud.
Global standards for emerging tech.
Clear identification of AI-generated and deepfake content.
Our digital future must expand opportunity while strengthening trust.”
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2107487383428218914?s=20
GSMA Board members highlighted India’s emergence as a global leader in digital and mobile connectivity, citing the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G networks, the scale of its digital public infrastructure and the growth of its telecom and mobile manufacturing ecosystem. They appreciated India’s investment-friendly policy framework and underscored the importance of secure, resilient and trusted digital infrastructure in sustaining digital growth, the press release stated.
The Board members also highlighted opportunities for greater international cooperation with India in areas such as 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and satellite connectivity.
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, GSMA Board members and senior government officials attended the meeting.
-PIB Inputs
