Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has praised India’s commitment to digitalization and technology sharing, highlighting its impact on member states. Speaking in a Zoom interview with ANI, she noted India’s ability to provide digital services at a minimal cost, benefiting 1.4 billion citizens and beyond.
“India’s wonderful generosity means that when it has found a way of delivering services cheaply, efficiently, fairly, and effectively, it shares that knowledge. Our member states look to India with hope and expectation,” she stated.
India’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Scotland commended India for prioritizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for its humanitarian support during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized that India’s generosity in sharing vaccines and resources exemplifies its leadership within the Commonwealth.
“India has made it clear that it believes in the SDGs, technology sharing, and helping others. When the world struggled during COVID-19, India was a true friend to many,” she added.
Patricia Scotland’s Upcoming Visit to India
The Commonwealth chief is scheduled to visit India on February 14-15, where discussions on trade, governance, and cooperation will be key topics.
Growth of Intra-Commonwealth Trade
Reflecting on her tenure, Scotland highlighted a significant rise in intra-Commonwealth trade from $564 billion to over $700 billion, with a growing advantage of 21%. She credited collaborative efforts in governance, media freedom, and the rule of law for this progress.
India’s Pivotal Role in the Commonwealth
Scotland reaffirmed India’s central role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth through innovation, trade, and sustainable development. Her visit is expected to further strengthen India’s global influence and partnerships within the organization.
