New Delhi: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a noted philanthropist, has commended India's significant contributions to global innovation, particularly in the areas of vaccines, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructure.
In a conversation with Times Now, Gates underscored the advancements in India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) and its worldwide impact.
"During my time at Microsoft, I witnessed the remarkable talent present in India. Today, Microsoft boasts numerous exceptional individuals from the country, including Satya Nadella, who is doing an outstanding job. When I established the foundation, I recognized that India would be a key partner in our efforts to enhance children's lives, driven by its innovative spirit that extends far beyond its borders. The DPI is well-known for its excellence and is being adopted by many nations. While vaccines are widely recognized, India's innovations now encompass agriculture, AI, and diagnostics. I would say there has been a notable acceleration in these areas, especially since the pandemic," he remarked.
"The support for entrepreneurs in India has been robust. Many are leveraging the DPI infrastructure, and those who succeed are setting a commendable example by engaging in philanthropy at a young age. It’s inspiring to witness not only effective innovations but also their implementation in a cost-efficient manner," he added.
Gates also emphasized the collaborative efforts of his foundation in India, particularly in vaccine development and healthcare advancements.
"The partnerships we have established here focus on delivering new vaccines and fostering innovation. Most of the world’s low-cost vaccines are produced by key partners of our foundation, which has not only saved millions of lives in India but also in other countries," he stated.
Addressing the concerns regarding India being perceived as a "laboratory" for vaccine trials, Gates emphasized, "The focus is on innovation. No one is more diligent in ensuring the utmost safety of these vaccines, and the Indian government has an excellent regulatory body that guides us through these processes."
When discussing the impact of AI, Bill Gates highlighted three key areas of application in India: agriculture, healthcare, and education.
"There are three primary ways AI will be utilized. First, for farmers. With advanced weather forecasting and access to pricing and soil data, along with various government credit programs, even those with small plots of land can receive exceptional guidance, leading to increased productivity and pest management. I witnessed an early implementation of this in Odisha last year, which was already yielding positive results. So, AI is set to assist farmers significantly," Gates explained.
"Next is the application of AI in healthcare delivery. Pregnant women should be able to ask questions about their doctor's advice or best practices through AI in their local language, whether by typing or speaking. Lastly, AI can serve as an ever-available tutor for students, providing motivation and support around the clock. These are the three areas we aim to advance rapidly in collaboration with local partners," he added.
Gates also recognized India's ambitious goals for 2047 and its economic development, expressing admiration for the vision.
"The aspiration to transform India into a fully developed nation by 2047 is truly remarkable, and it's impressive to see both federal and state levels actively pursuing strategies to stimulate economic growth," he remarked.
The co-founder of Microsoft voiced his concerns regarding the effects of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East on international aid initiatives.
"We are witnessing turmoil in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is unfortunately redirecting significant resources that should be allocated to health issues in Africa. This is taking away substantial support from the aid and debt relief efforts I hope to see," he remarked. Nevertheless, he expressed a hopeful outlook, stating, "In spite of these challenges, I remain very optimistic due to the innovation happening worldwide."
As India continues to enhance its role in technology, healthcare, and space exploration, Bill Gates reiterated his dedication to collaborating with Indian innovators to foster global advancement.
