Has Strong Policy Support Positioned India as a Leader in the Global Digital Economy? Insights from Arundhati Bhattacharya

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) The digital landscape in India has experienced remarkable growth, and this transformation — driven by a robust policy framework, extensive digital infrastructure development, and innovative practices — has positioned India prominently in the global digital economy, stated Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce-South Asia, during an interview on Tuesday.

In her conversation with IANS, Bhattacharya, a Padma Shri awardee and former Chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI), emphasized that the groundwork established over the past decade is fostering a strong environment for technologies such as AI to flourish.

Here are the key excerpts from the interview:

Q1: India's AI Mission is poised for significant advancements. What is your perspective? How can Salesforce contribute?

Arundhati Bhattacharya: Salesforce has successfully implemented numerous AI-driven solutions globally. By sharing these best practices with Indian enterprises, they can effectively adopt and benefit from them. These solutions enhance efficiency, spur innovation, and enable scalability in AI efforts. I firmly believe that Salesforce can act as a catalyst in realizing India's AI vision by assisting businesses in adopting international standards.

Q2: Over the past 11 years under PM Modi's administration, India has seen remarkable technological evolution. What is your viewpoint?

Arundhati Bhattacharya: The digital ecosystem in India has undergone rapid expansion. Today, India boasts one of the world's largest digitally-enabled populations. This transformation—fueled by a powerful policy framework, extensive digital infrastructure rollout, and innovative strategies—has propelled India to the forefront of the global digital economy. The foundational work conducted over the past decade is cultivating a robust environment for technologies like AI to thrive.

Q3: India requires a greater number of skilled professionals in AI. What strategies can create more job opportunities, and how can we involve more women in this sector?

Arundhati Bhattacharya: Skill development is absolutely essential. The skill set required today significantly differs from that of just a few years ago. Therefore, it’s not solely about training the youth—it’s equally important to reskill those already in the workforce.

At Salesforce, we offer a specialized skilling platform called Trailhead, and we collaborate with the National Skill Development Mission, AICTE for internships, and NASSCOM. We are engaged with over 3,000 colleges where our courses are recognized as credit electives. These partnerships promote broad access to relevant training.

To attract more women into the AI workforce, we need targeted initiatives—mentoring, inclusive training environments, flexible work options, and a dedicated effort toward diversity.

Q4: Can India become the AI capital of the world on the road to a developed Bharat?

Arundhati Bhattacharya: India has the potential to become whatever it aspires to be. The crucial question is—how are we empowering and enabling our populace? If we provide the right policies, opportunities, and ensure comprehensive skill development, then yes, India absolutely has the potential to become the AI capital of the world. The scale is here, the ambition is present, and with proper nurturing, the results can follow.

Q5: You were recently honored with the Padma Shri. What does this recognition signify for you?

Arundhati Bhattacharya: I am genuinely honored and humbled. This recognition was entirely unexpected. The fact that the government deemed it appropriate to bestow this honor upon me fills me with immense gratitude. It is a moment of pride, not just for me, but for every professional striving to make a difference.