Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates praised India’s role in global innovation during an interview with Times Now. He highlighted India’s advancements in vaccines, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital public infrastructure (DPI). Gates acknowledged the talent pool in India, noting that Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, is a prime example of Indian excellence.

“I saw the depth of talent here during my Microsoft days. Now, with the foundation, we’ve partnered with the Indian government to improve children’s lives, and that innovative spirit extends to many sectors,” Gates said. He highlighted DPI’s global impact and India’s rapid progress in AI, agriculture, and healthcare.

Strong Support for Entrepreneurs

Gates noted India’s strong financial support for entrepreneurs, with many leveraging DPI to build successful businesses. “The financing for entrepreneurs here has been very strong, and they are setting an example by starting their philanthropy at a young age,” he remarked.

AI’s Role in Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education

Gates outlined three key areas where AI can transform India:

  1. Agriculture: AI can help farmers with weather predictions, pricing insights, and pest management. Gates cited an early system in Odisha that has already shown positive results.
  2. Healthcare: AI can assist pregnant women by providing accurate information and guidance in local languages.
  3. Education: AI can act as a 24/7 tutor for students, enhancing their learning experience.

India’s Contributions to Global Healthcare

Gates praised India’s contributions to global healthcare, particularly in vaccine development. “The majority of the world’s low-cost vaccines come from Indian partners we’ve worked with, saving millions of lives worldwide,” he said. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, Gates assured that India’s regulatory framework ensures the highest safety standards.

India’s Vision for 2047

Gates expressed admiration for India’s vision to become a fully developed nation by 2047. “The vision is very impressive, and both federal and state governments are actively driving economic growth,” he noted.

Challenges Due to Global Conflicts

While acknowledging global challenges, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East diverting resources, Gates remained optimistic. “Despite these challenges, I’m still very optimistic because of innovation happening worldwide,” he said.

Commitment to Continued Partnership

Gates reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with Indian innovators to drive global progress, emphasizing India’s influence in technology, healthcare, and space exploration.