Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India is now among the most technologically inclusive societies in the world, crediting a decade of digital democratization and fintech innovation. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai on October 9, Modi emphasized that India’s digital transformation is not just a tool of convenience but a means of ensuring equality, empowerment, and global leadership.
“India has successfully democratized technology. From remote villages to urban metros, every citizen now has access to digital tools that enrich lives and drive growth,” Modi said, addressing a packed audience of global fintech leaders, regulators, and innovators.
India’s Digital Leap: From Divide to Inclusion
Over the past ten years, India has transitioned from being a digitally divided nation to a digitally empowered one. The JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile—has laid the foundation for financial inclusion, while platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and Account Aggregator have scaled to population-level adoption.
India’s Technological Inclusion Milestones
| Initiative | Launch Year | Adoption (2025) | Impact Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Dhan Yojana | 2014 | 500 million accounts | Financial inclusion |
| Aadhaar | 2009 | 1.3 billion users | Identity verification |
| UPI | 2016 | 20 billion monthly txns | Real-time payments |
| DigiLocker | 2015 | 180 million users | Document access |
| Account Aggregator | 2021 | 120 million onboarded | Consent-based data sharing |
| RBI Digital Currency | 2023 | Pilot in 15 cities | Secure digital transactions |
Fintech as a Force for Equality
Modi praised India’s fintech community for building “Swadeshi solutions with global relevance.” He highlighted that India Stack is now a beacon of hope for the Global South, offering scalable, open-source digital infrastructure that other nations are adopting.
“We are not giving digital aid—we are enabling digital empowerment,” Modi said, adding that India is helping other countries build their own fintech ecosystems.
India’s Fintech Ecosystem – Global Rankings
| Metric | Value (2025) | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Fintech Startups | 11,000+ | 3rd |
| UPI Transactions (Annual) | ₹300 lakh crore | 1st |
| Digital Lending Volume | ₹7.5 lakh crore | 2nd |
| Account Aggregator Adoption | 120 million users | 1st |
AI for All: India’s Ethical Tech Vision
Modi also outlined India’s approach to artificial intelligence, built on three principles: equitable access, population-scale skilling, and responsible deployment. He reiterated that for India, “AI stands for All Inclusive,” and called for a global framework for ethical AI.
India’s AI Strategy Pillars
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Equitable Access | AI tools available in local languages |
| Population-Scale Skilling | AI training for youth and MSMEs |
| Responsible Deployment | Bias-free, privacy-respecting systems |
India-UK Fintech Partnership: A Democratic Alliance
With UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the fest as a partner country representative, Modi emphasized the strategic importance of India-UK fintech collaboration. He announced that nine UK universities will open campuses in India and reaffirmed the goal to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030.
India-UK Fintech and Trade Highlights
| Area | Current Status (2025) | Target by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade | $56 billion | $112 billion |
| UK University Campuses | 9 announced | Operational by 2027 |
| CETA Agreement | Signed July 2025 | Boost to MSMEs |
Mumbai: The City of Enterprise and Possibility
Modi described Mumbai as the “City of Energy, Enterprise, and Endless Possibilities,” and praised the Global Fintech Fest for evolving into a global platform for financial innovation and cooperation. He congratulated Kris Gopalakrishnan and the organizing team for hosting a vibrant and impactful event.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on verified public statements, summit addresses, and official data as of October 9, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute investment advice or political endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
