India’s Development to Benefit the World, Says Bill Gates
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has commended India’s rapid economic and technological progress, stating that its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 will have far-reaching benefits beyond its borders.
“If India can stay on the path of the 2047 plan, it will be beneficial not just to India but to the whole world. The fact that you have 20% of humanity engaged in democratic elections—albeit somewhat chaotic—while prioritizing key sectors like health and education has created a very positive dynamic,” Gates said at the Express Adda event in Mumbai.
Gates highlighted India’s economic resilience, noting that while he does not expect the country’s growth rate to hit 10%, he believes it will not fall below 5%. He emphasized that this economic momentum will allow India to increase investments in education and healthcare, creating long-term development opportunities.
AI and India’s Emerging Role in Technological Innovation
Speaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Gates dismissed concerns that AI would eliminate jobs, instead emphasizing its potential to address global challenges.
“Jobs exist due to scarcity. With AI, we can achieve enough food and medical care without requiring everyone to work as we do today,” he explained.
However, Gates admitted that the rapid pace of AI development makes him uneasy.
“If I had control, I would have liked to slow down its pace,” he said.
He praised India’s AI development strategy, particularly its focus on open-source foundational models that cater to Indian languages and local needs. However, he cautioned against heavy subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing, warning that India should enter the industry only if it remains globally competitive.
Climate Change and the Role of Innovation
Gates expressed concern over climate change, predicting that the world is unlikely to meet the 1.5-degree or even 2-degree warming targets.
“We won’t meet the 1.5-degree target, and we are likely to miss the 2-degree goal as well. But climate change will not be catastrophic if innovation continues at the current pace,” he said.
He noted that poorer countries will bear the greatest impact of climate change, making it critical for nations like India to focus on sustainable innovation.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure: A Game-Changer
Gates hailed India’s digital transformation, calling initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI some of the country’s most valuable global contributions.
“Every time I visit, I see more companies leveraging this infrastructure—whether in banking, government benefits, or stock trading. Innovation in India is progressing faster than I had expected,” he said.
Gates also highlighted India’s affordable vaccine development but, when asked to choose between the two, picked digital infrastructure as the bigger game-changer for the global economy.
Concerns Over the Decline of Newspapers and Investigative Journalism
Gates voiced concerns over the declining influence of traditional newspapers, particularly their ability to fund investigative journalism.
“It is sad that the business model of newspapers is under threat. In the U.S., even national newspapers rarely invest in investigative reporting. I hope philanthropic organizations take an interest in this sector,” he remarked.
As digital platforms continue to dominate the media landscape, Gates emphasized the importance of preserving high-quality journalism to ensure accountability and public awareness.
