India to help countries replicate its digital transformation: Amitabh Kant

India, which is taking over the presidency of the Group of Twenty bloc on December 1, will look at ways to help countries replicate the digital transformation it has achieved in the social and economic sectors, India’s G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant said Thursday.

India is taking over the grouping’s presidency at a challenging time when the global economy is facing multiple headwinds, Kant said.

A key focus area, he said, would be to find ways to bring back “inclusive and resilient” growth. “How do we accelerate SDG (social development goals) implementation? How do we push for more? How do we demonstrate the positive narrative, which India has built up in terms of digital transformation,” Kant said, highlighting some of the other areas for focus during India’s presidency.

He was speaking at ‘India – A Vibrant Democracy, Global Bright Spot’ at the Times Now Summit 2022.
New Delhi, he said, played a critical role in reaching consensus at the G20 Bali Summit and a key phrase, “today’s era is not of war” that PM Narendra Modi first used during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, was co-opted into the joint declaration, despite China’s opposition.

In the post-Covid era, the world is facing issues that are affecting education and health, as well as the burden of global debt, disruption in global supply chains and climate action.

“India will take over the presidency at the moment of this crisis, but every crisis is an opportunity and therefore being positive, being forward looking, being progressive is very critical,” Kant said.

It also provides an opportunity to the country for an accelerated transition towards the circular economy, he added.

He cautioned that any further geopolitical tension would disrupt supply chains and hurt industry.