Union Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday said that the collaboration between tech giant Google and the Indian government will help Indian startups emerge stronger in the post-pandemic days.
He made these remarks while addressing the seventh edition of the 'Google for India' virtual event and inviting Google to help the nation realize its $1 trillion digital economy goal by 2025. Chandrasekhar also said the partnership will serve as a great example to exhibit how the government and industry can work together to promote the growth of local businesses.
"I'm hopeful and confident that Google's mentorship through this initiative will help selected startups emerge stronger in this new normal. I would like to invite Google and the rest of the industry to participate in India's $1 trillion digital economy mission, which will pave the way for the rest of the world," he added.
Sundar Pichai-run tech giant in July had announced an investment of about Rs 75,000 crore ($10 billion) in India in the coming next five to seven years.
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The minister also said that India is on track to attain new heights of digital empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India.
"We have formulated the vision to make India a $1 trillion digital economy by 2025. Our priority is to improve the nation's connectivity and make India the largest connected nation by bringing all citizens online in an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet era," Chandrasekhar said.
Emphasising the growth in electronics manufacturing in India, the minister said that India is at the cusp of becoming a leading player in the evolving global value chain for the electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
"Last year, when Google announced its plans to invest $10 billion in India with a goal to fast-track, assist and be a partner in India's digital transformation, the government welcomed Google's contributions not just with the investments but also with their technology and platforms to accelerate the digital adoption. This relationship makes our 'Digital India' story one of empowerment and inclusion," Chandrasekhar noted.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the event that with the digital economy's potential to add millions of jobs, the government is committed to providing Indians every opportunity to upskill.
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"It is heartening to see Google Career Certificates provide training in digital skills and launch an employer consortium to facilitate employment. If every Indian citizen has access to digital skills, it will not be long before India becomes a one trillion-dollar digital economy," he said.
