India is transforming from being proud of its services sector to confidently becoming a product nation that designs and owns intellectual property:Ashwini Vaishnaw
“India’s growth story is not accidental. It is built on vision, strategy, and a shift in mindset from being service providers to becoming global creators,” said Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, while addressing industry leaders at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi today. Speaking at the session titled ‘India@2047: Future-Ready Infrastructure for a Digital and Connected Nation’, the Minister delivered a comprehensive address on India’s transformation across digital infrastructure, electronics, AI, and railways.
Highlighting India’s rise as a $3.5 trillion economy, the Minister emphasized the role of foundational digital initiatives such as Digital India, Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and UPI, which have created a globally admired ecosystem. “We moved from importing finished products to developing components and now semiconductors. Our electronics exports are growing exponentially,” he noted, while stressing how confidence and capacity have shifted India from a consumer mindset to a producer nation.
India's progress in AI was another focal point. “We have democratized access to AI infrastructure by making thousands of GPUs publicly available. Our first India-trained foundation model is near completion. All datasets and applications will be open source, ensuring equitable access,” the Minister stated, adding that the AI Safety Institute is developing globally relevant frameworks for AI risk mitigation.
On railways, Shri Vaishnaw announced that India now operates the second-largest cargo railway network globally, with over 1,612 million tonnes of freight moved annually. “We have nearly achieved full electrification of our network and will soon reach net-zero emissions. India also leads globally in locomotive manufacturing — producing over 1,600 locomotives last year,” he said. With 1,300 stations being modernized and 60% of routes upgraded to 130 km/h, he invited greater private sector participation in India’s transport revolution.
The Minister also highlighted the role of capacity building and talent development, pointing out that the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for Transportation and Logistics is being created to bridge the skill gap and drive cutting-edge R&D and academic collaboration in the logistics and infrastructure sectors.
Mr. Sanjiv Puri, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), welcomed the Minister and praised his leadership in shaping a technologically empowered India. “Your vision is building the digital backbone of our nation — from high-speed rail to semiconductors, AI, and secure digital infrastructure. India’s digital economy is poised to contribute 20% to the GDP by 2030,” he said. He also reiterated CII’s commitment to building innovation ecosystems, responsible AI adoption, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, opened the session by acknowledging the Hon’ble Minister’s leadership in digital transformation and infrastructure. “Your experience in industry and governance continues to inspire progress across sectors — especially in railways, electronics, and IT,” he said.
29 May 2025
New Delhi