Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has praised India’s rapid innovation and economic growth, stating that the country’s progress will have a positive global impact. Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Thursday, Gates expressed optimism about India’s future, predicting that the nation will emerge as a developed country by 2047.
He emphasized that India's prioritization of key sectors like health and education has created significant positive momentum. "India’s transformation into a developed nation will not only change the country but will also have a positive effect on the world," Gates said.
India’s Economic Growth Outlook is Promising
Gates described India's economic outlook as promising, highlighting the ongoing debate on whether the country's growth rate will be 5% or 10%. "I don’t think it will reach 10%, but it certainly won’t fall below 5%," he added. He believes this economic expansion will enable greater government investment in healthcare and education, unlocking new opportunities.
Appreciation for India's AI Development Approach
Gates commended India’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI), saying that AI is set to bring significant transformations. However, he dismissed fears that AI would eliminate jobs. He also lauded India's focus on open-source foundation models tailored to local needs, including support for Indian languages.
Praise for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
Bill Gates also acknowledged India’s advancements in digital public infrastructure, particularly Aadhaar and UPI, calling them among the country’s most significant contributions to the world. "Every time I visit India, I see more companies leveraging this infrastructure, whether in banking, government benefits, or stock trading. The pace of innovation in India is exceeding my expectations," he remarked.
Bill Gates: The 11th Richest Person in the World
As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is currently the 11th richest person in the world. According to Forbes, his net worth stands at $107.1 billion (approximately ₹9.21 lakh crore). He co-founded Microsoft in 1975 and served as the company’s CEO until 2000.
