India is the world’s third-most digitalized country, trailing only the United States of America (USA) and China, according to a recent study released on Friday by a Delhi-based think tank.
According to the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations’ (ICRIER) State of India’s Digital Economy Report, 2024, India’s state of digitalization is superior to that of some developed countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, in terms of aggregate digitalization.
However, among the G20 countries, India ranks 12th in terms of digitalization for individual users.
The study is based on the ‘CHIPS‘ framework, which evaluates countries on five pillars: connect, harness, innovate, protect, and sustain.
The Significance of Digital Infrastructure
India’s third-place ranking can be attributed in large part to its digital infrastructure. Investments in connectivity, digital services, and technology innovation have yielded results, establishing the country as a major player in the global digital economy. The government’s emphasis on digital initiatives, such as the Digital India campaign, has aided in this expansion, increasing digital access and literacy across all demographics.
Bridging the User Engagement Gap
While India’s digital infrastructure serves as a global benchmark, the report highlights a significant gap in individual digital engagement. Ranking 12th among G20 countries in this category suggests that there is still room for improvement in terms of making digital advancements more inclusive and accessible to all segments of society. Efforts to improve digital literacy, affordability, and usability can help close this gap and ensure that the benefits of digitalization are distributed equitably.