From just 25 crore internet connections to becoming a global digital powerhouse, India marks a decade of transformative change under the Digital India initiative.
New Delhi, July 1, 2025 — Marking a significant milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Digital India programme, reflecting on a decade of dramatic digital transformation that has reshaped India’s socio-economic landscape. What began in 2015 as an ambitious push toward digital empowerment has now evolved into a global success model, touching every corner of the country—from bustling metro cities to the remotest villages of Ladakh and Northeast India.
In 2014, India had only 25 crore internet users. Fast forward to 2025, and the country now boasts over 97 crore active internet connections, a testament to its digital progress. A critical enabler of this growth has been the laying of more than 42 lakh kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable, connecting even the most geographically challenging areas, including the Galwan Valley and Siachen. India’s 5G rollout is now ranked among the fastest in the world, and has reached border outposts and remote tribal belts, reflecting the government’s push for inclusive digital growth.
India Stack and UPI: Building the Backbone of Digital Governance
At the heart of this transformation is India Stack, the world’s largest open-source digital infrastructure, which supports platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI has emerged as the backbone of India’s digital economy, now managing over 100 billion transactions annually and representing nearly 50% of global real-time payments.
PM Modi also spotlighted the role of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), which have facilitated the direct transfer of ₹44 lakh crore into citizens’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and plugging leakages worth ₹3.48 lakh crore. Initiatives like the SVAMITVA scheme have resolved generational property disputes, with 2.4 crore digital property cards issued so far.
Digital India has not only benefitted urban elites but has also extended opportunities to rural communities, artisans, micro-entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has crossed 200 million transactions, connecting sellers from Banaras to Nagaland, offering them nationwide exposure.
Similarly, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reached a record ₹1 lakh crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in just 50 days. Over 22 lakh sellers, including 1.8 lakh women-led enterprises, now use the platform, signaling the democratisation of business opportunities in the digital era.
PM Modi emphasized that platforms like Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker, and PM-WANI have become global benchmarks. For instance, CoWIN played a pivotal role in administering over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses, with instant digital certification via QR codes. DigiLocker, now with 54 crore users, securely stores over 775 crore digital documents, simplifying access to official credentials for millions.
During India’s G20 Presidency, the country launched the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and established a $25 million Social Impact Fund to help other developing nations replicate India’s inclusive digital model.
From a fledgling startup culture to a booming innovation hub, India has transformed into one of the top three startup ecosystems globally, with over 1.8 lakh registered startups. The nation is now turning its focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the launch of the $1.2 billion India AI Mission, making India the world’s most affordable compute destination with 34,000 GPUs available for use.
By promoting ethical and inclusive AI through Centres of Excellence, the government is ensuring that the digital future is humanity-first and sustainable.
The digital revolution has touched the farthest corners of the country, including the Northeast region. From enabling online education during the pandemic to facilitating e-commerce for local artisans, the Digital India campaign has bridged the regional digital divide. Government schemes and partnerships have extended internet and mobile coverage to several under-connected districts in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, ensuring equal participation in the digital economy.
In a powerful message to citizens and innovators, PM Modi stated,
“Digital India is no longer just a government initiative. It is a people’s movement, a pillar of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We must now aim to lead the world in the next digital revolution.”
He urged India’s technologists, entrepreneurs, and students to build technologies that empower, solve real-world challenges, and promote unity and inclusivity.
As India completes a decade under the Digital India initiative, the journey is far from over. With strong foundations laid in connectivity, innovation, and inclusivity, the country is poised to become a global leader in digital technology. With the trust of 140 crore Indians and a clear vision from the leadership, the next decade promises even greater breakthroughs — not just for India, but for the world.
