Google CEO Sundar Pichai met with the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu last week. The company’s assertive push towards digitisation in India were among the top issues discussed. Pichai was very appreciative of initiatives taken by India and emphasised on how Google is looking at India in a very positive framework. Digital payments and infrastructure digitisation were also among the topics discussed.
“Technology that transforms; ideas that enable,“ tweeted Sandhu after the meeting as Pichai became the first Indian-American tech chief to visit the Indian embassy in the US.
The Indian ambassador further shared that they exchanged thoughts on expanding commercial, knowledge, and tech partnership with Google.
Replying to the tweet, Pichai appreciated the chance to discuss Google's commitment to India. “Look forward to continuing our support for India's digital future,” he added. The Google CEO was named among the 17 awardees to receive the Padma Bhushan in January this year.
The tech giant has made a mammoth effort to expand its footprint in a wide range of sectors in India, with a massive investment in the country.
Google had also announced an investment of $10 billion under its Google for India digitisation initiative, in addition to which, the company has also partnered with Reliance’s Jio and Bharti Airtel in the country.
Under Pichai’s leadership, Google is enabling workforce development and skill development, working with the Indian government on the Digital India programme and the national digital literacy mission.
Sandhu noted that Google is an important partner in the digital transformation of the country, which the Centre has made a top most priority. During the COVID-19 crisis last year, Google and its parent company Alphabet played a key role and were part of the global task force of American CEOs set up in this regard.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met with several CEOs from the Silicon Valley during his trip to California earlier this month in a bid to intensify ties with global CEOs.
(With inputs from PTI)