India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Attracts Global Interest, Says NISG CEO

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which has revolutionised the delivery of government and private services within the country, is now drawing significant global interest. Speaking at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, Rajiv Bansal, CEO of the National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), shared that several countries are increasingly looking to adopt India’s digital platform to improve citizen services.

Bansal highlighted that the widespread adoption of systems like Aadhar, the national identity program, and the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), has put India at the forefront of digital governance. These technologies have become pivotal in delivering services not just within India, but also globally. “There is a huge opportunity to take DPI globally,” he said, underscoring the growing demand for these digital solutions.

NISG, a not-for-profit organisation set up by the Indian government in 2003, plays a key role in assisting governments worldwide with implementing smart governance and digital reforms. According to Bansal, the organisation is engaged in pilot projects and consultancy efforts with several countries, including Sri Lanka, Gambia, Myanmar, Belize, and Fiji. These nations are exploring the implementation of similar digital platforms to streamline services and enhance governance. The appeal of India’s DPI has been particularly strong in developing economies, many of which are seeking to establish national identity systems akin to Aadhar. Bansal pointed out that while developed economies are also interested in adopting DPI, their focus tends to be on other services, such as financial management and social welfare systems.

A key reason behind the growing adoption of India’s DPI globally is its foundation in open-source technology and its emphasis on interoperability. These elements have contributed to the system’s scalability and adaptability, making it a viable solution for diverse countries with varying governance needs. Founder of the iSPIRT Foundation, added an insightful perspective on the future of DPI, stating that the platform is still in its early stages, with much potential to expand, particularly in sectors such as healthcare. As digital services continue to evolve, the opportunities to enhance public welfare globally through India’s DPI framework are vast and promising. India’s success in developing and deploying DPI offers a powerful example of how digital infrastructure can drive social and economic development. With increased global interest, the nation is positioned to become a leader in digital governance, helping other countries unlock the full potential of technology in public service delivery.