Union Minister Anurag Thakur praised India's digital initiatives, highlighting the convenience of vaccine certificates being available on smartphones, a service he claimed has not yet been offered in other countries. During an event, the Information and Broadcasting Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader commended the Indian population for receiving their Covid vaccine certificates through the CoWIN app. He contrasted this with his conversation with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who had to carry a physical copy of his vaccine certificate.
Thakur emphasised that even the economically disadvantaged in India possess digital vaccine certificates on their mobile phones, a feat unmatched by any other nation.
The minister expressed pride in India's achievements in the digital realm, citing the introduction of digital payments and certificates. He credited the success to the collaborative efforts of officials who provided valuable suggestions, which were duly considered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This inclusive approach enabled the government to offer essential services such as gas cylinders, housing, and water connections to the citizens.
Previously, in December last year, Pichai had met with PM Modi and lauded the rapid technological advancements under his leadership.
Furthermore, at a Google for India event in December 2022, Pichai emphasised India's potential as a significant exporter and its ability to benefit from a connected internet ecosystem. He pledged Google's focus on supporting Indian startups, with a commitment of $300 million, a portion of which would be specifically invested in women-led ventures.
Pichai stressed the importance of striking a balance between technological progress and ensuring safeguards for the people. He emphasized the need for an innovative framework that allows companies to thrive within a legally sound environment. Pichai deemed the current era as crucial for India, as it emerges as a major player in the global economy, and stressed the significance of establishing a harmonious equilibrium that promotes an open and interconnected internet.