India is one of Google’s most important markets and a source of tremendous talent and innovation that helps to create and empower the company’s products worldwide, according to a Google executive.
Google’s global director of government affairs and public policy, Karan Bhatia, told PTI on Friday that the company is extremely enthusiastic about India’s trajectory.
“India is one of our most significant international markets. This is essentially our second home. We’ve been in the country for nearly twenty years. There, we have thousands of personnel. It is a source of extraordinary talent and innovation that helps create and empower Google products worldwide,” he explained.
Bhatia stated that it is a dynamic market where internet usage and new small businesses and startups are expanding.
In the past nine years, India has experienced an incredible explosion in the use of the internet, especially in rural areas, which are experiencing the fastest growth in internet penetration and the expansion of digital-first enterprises.
“There are more unicorns, more ventures, and more companies that prioritise digital transformation. Then, you see a government that comprehends the significance of digitalization and digital policies,” Bhatia said.
Across the board, he stated that India possesses an ecosystem that propels the country’s presence in the global digital network.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always had a digital-first mentality. His influence on the government’s adoption of digital technology is evident. You look at something like Aadhar. Consequently, there is no doubt that the government’s leadership has played a significant role,” he stated.
From 2005 to 2007, Bhatia served as the Deputy US Trade Representative. He is credited with negotiating the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Open Skies Agreement with India.
“We are thrilled about the visit of the Prime Minister for many reasons. On the people-to-people and business-to-business sides, we see a great deal of room for continued development in this relationship.
“I would love to see the number of digital partnerships between the United States and India double in three years, and I believe that’s a realistic possibility,” he said.
On the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Prime Minister Modi will visit the United States from June 21 to 24. On June 22, they will host a state dinner for Modi. The visit will also include a June 22 address to the Joint Session of Congress.
Bhatia stated that Google plays an essential role in this field.
“We do this through our products, as we continue to construct and develop new products for the Indian market and, candidly, for the global market in India. We’re also doing so via partnerships with businesses,” he explained.
A couple of years ago, Google reportedly launched the India Digitization Fund, a USD 10 billion investment in Indian companies.
“We’re partnered with Jio, Airtel, and also with small new startups, which are really the source of so much innovation,” he said.
Bhatia stated that next week’s meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President Joe Biden will send a “clear signal” to their respective governments that they desire a stronger commercial relationship, particularly in the technological and digital realms.
“I believe that is the most significant action that can be taken. There are always evolving regulations and policies, particularly in the technology sector, which can sometimes pose difficulties and impediments.
“It is essential that these policies be viewed through the lens of how we drive these two economies together, enable them to grow together, and continue to collaborate more effectively. That would be my greatest desire,” he stated.
Bhatia stated that Google views itself as an AI-first company and has invested in this field for years.
“In fact, many of the Google products you use today already have AI embedded in them, including products that actually work in India and work better in India than ever before,” he said.
“Google’s new language capabilities are being made available through artificial intelligence, but there is still a lot of room for growth, which is one of the reasons why we recently announced a new partnership with IIT Madras to expand our AI capabilities and presence in India.
Google is also collaborating with a large number of Indian companies to develop artificial intelligence solutions for some of their opportunities and challenges, he said, adding that the United States and India could be two AI superpowers if they collaborate.
