The NRI evaluates countries across four key pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—using 54 variables that comprehensively assess their network readiness and digital competitiveness.

India’s score rose from 49.9 in 2023 to 53.6 in 2024, underscoring steady progress across various dimensions.

The country’s performance in specific indicators is particularly noteworthy. India ranks:

• 1st in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
• 2nd in FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions, mobile broadband internet traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
• 3rd in domestic market scale.
• 4th in annual investment in telecommunication services.

These achievements reflect India’s increasing emphasis on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced connectivity infrastructure, and its thriving ICT services sector.

India’s leadership in AI-related research and talent is particularly significant, positioning the country as a global hub for AI innovation.

India moves at regional and global leadership

India’s inclusion among the top 50 economies globally solidifies its status as the leading digital economy in South Asia. It stands well ahead of regional peers in terms of technological infrastructure, innovation, and digital governance.

India’s dominance is evident in its robust ICT exports and large-scale adoption of broadband technologies. These achievements demonstrate India’s capacity to leverage its vast domestic market and talent pool, contributing to its strong global presence.

Key Pillars Driving India’s Success

1. Technology: India’s advancements in technology infrastructure have been pivotal.

The country’s investments in high-speed broadband, fiber optics, and mobile connectivity have created a robust digital ecosystem. With nearly 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and over 800 million internet users, India has achieved extensive digital penetration.

Government initiatives such as Digital India, BharatNet, and the push for 5G technology deployment have accelerated technological growth. These measures ensure that even remote and rural areas have access to reliable and affordable internet services.

2. People: India’s digital literacy programs and a growing base of skilled professionals have significantly contributed to its NRI ranking.

The country ranks first in AI talent concentration, demonstrating its ability to nurture and retain top talent in emerging fields. Initiatives like Skill India, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, and partnerships with the private sector have enhanced the workforce’s digital readiness.

Furthermore, India’s youth-driven demographic is a key driver of its digital economy, with a strong appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship.

3. Governance: India’s proactive digital policies and regulations have been instrumental in fostering a conducive environment for growth.

The implementation of the Personal Data Protection Bill, the emphasis on cybersecurity frameworks, and the establishment of regulatory bodies to oversee AI and emerging technologies highlight India’s commitment to digital governance. These measures ensure ethical and sustainable use of technology while safeguarding citizens’ digital rights.

4. Impact: India’s digital transformation is having a profound socioeconomic impact.

Increased internet penetration and mobile connectivity have empowered citizens, especially in rural areas, by providing access to education, healthcare, and financial services.

Initiatives like Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity and UPI have revolutionized financial inclusion, enabling seamless digital transactions for millions. Additionally, India’s leadership in ICT exports has created significant economic opportunities, boosting GDP growth and job creation.

India’s global competitiveness

India’s leadership in AI scientific publications and ICT services exports underscores its competitive edge in the global market. The ICT sector accounts for a significant share of India’s GDP, with exports contributing over $200 billion annually. The country’s investment in AI research, coupled with a strong startup ecosystem, positions it as a major player in the global technology landscape.

India’s remarkable position in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 not only places it among the top 50 economies globally but also solidifies its position as the leading digital economy in the South Asian region.

India stands far ahead of its regional peers, showcasing its dominance in technological infrastructure, innovation, and digital governance.

India leads in indicators like AI scientific publications and AI talent concentration, establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological development.

This leadership is bolstered by a thriving network of research institutions and a skilled workforce that fuels advancements in AI applications across industries, from healthcare to agriculture.

India’s robust domestic market, which ranks third globally, further amplifies the impact of these innovations, providing a dynamic environment for the growth and adoption of new technologies.

India’s strong performance extends to public cloud computing, where it ranks 11th globally. This reflects the rapid growth of cloud infrastructure and services, which are critical for modernizing businesses and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Cloud technologies have enabled both large and small enterprises to scale efficiently, reduce costs, and improve operational flexibility. Government initiatives leveraging cloud computing have also enhanced public service delivery, contributing to better governance and citizen engagement.

The country’s progress is further highlighted by its achievements in the People pillar, where it ranks 29th. This metric underscores India’s efforts to build a digitally skilled workforce and promote digital literacy.

Initiatives aimed at digitizing businesses have propelled India to the 36th position, while its position in the indicator digitally skilled individuals’ rank 17th globally.

India’s emerging technologies sector also showcases a promising future, with a 42nd ranking in government promotion of emerging technologies and a 31st position in data capabilities.

Investments in fields such as AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are laying the groundwork for future innovations. Moreover, the expansion of data centers and improvements in data infrastructure are enhancing the country’s ability to harness and analyze large datasets, driving insights and efficiencies across various industries.

India’s remarkable digital transformation journey is complemented by significant achievements, though it also highlights areas for further growth and opportunity. Strengthening digital inclusion remains a key focus, as efforts continue to bridge gaps in socioeconomic access to digital payments and reduce the gender disparity in internet use.

These challenges present an opportunity for India to implement more targeted initiatives that can ensure equitable digital participation across all demographics, unlocking the full potential of its vast population.

India’s collaboration with international organizations and participation in multilateral forums on digital governance further strengthen its global influence. By leveraging its technological capabilities, India is not only addressing domestic challenges but also contributing to global innovation and problem-solving.

Looking ahead, India’s focus on emerging technologies such as 5G, blockchain, quantum computing, and green technology will be crucial. The government’s ambitious plans for a USD1 trillion digital economy by 2025 and increased investments in R&D are expected to drive sustained growth. Strengthening public-private partnerships and fostering an innovation-driven culture will also play a key role in India’s digital future.

In conclusion, India’s rise in the Network Readiness Index 2024 is a testament to its commitment to building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem. The country’s advancements in technology, human capital, governance, and impact underscore its readiness to lead in the digital era. As India continues to prioritize innovation, connectivity, and digital empowerment, it is poised to emerge as a global leader in the networked economy. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging its strengths, India can ensure sustainable and inclusive growth, benefiting millions of citizens and solidifying its position as a digital powerhouse.