Google to invest Rs 75,000 crore in India over next 5-7 years: CEO Sundar Pichai

Google CEO Sundar Pichai today announced an investment of Rs 75,000 crore in India over the next 5 to 7 years through Google for India Digitisation Fund.

Addressing Google for India event, Mr Pichai asserted that the latest move is a reflection of the company's confidence in the future of India and its digital economy. He said the investments will focus on four key areas of India's digitisation.

Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet, in a tweet today said, "Today at #GoogleForIndia we announced a new $10B digitization fund to help accelerate India's digital economy. We're proud to support PM @narendramodi's vision for Digital India - many thanks to Minister @rsprasad & Minister @DrRPNishank for joining us."

They are enabling affordable access and information to every Indian in their own language, building new products and services relevant to India's unique needs, empowering businesses as they continue to embark in digital transformation, and leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence for social good in areas like healthcare, education and agriculture.

Besides, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai also had an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing today. During the interaction, PM Modi said that Indians are adjusting to and adopting technology at a rapid pace. He also said that India is among the most open economies in the world.

PM Modi and Pichai spoke on a wide range of subjects, particularly leveraging the power of technology to transform the lives of India's farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs.

During the talk, Sundar Pichai briefed the Prime Minister about new products and initiatives of Google in India. He mentioned the launch of Artificial Intelligence Research Lab in Bengaluru while highlighting the benefits of Google's flood forecasting efforts. Mr Pichai also briefed about the efforts undertaken by Google in spreading awareness and providing reliable information about COVID-19.

PM Modi appreciated the proactive role played by Google in battling misinformation and conveying information about necessary precautions.