Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in New Delhi on June 26, 2024, to discuss India's Digital Public Infrastructure [1].
The meeting highlights India's ambition to export its digital governance model to other nations. By showcasing how technology can expand affordable financial services, India aims to position itself as a global leader in digital public goods.
The discussions centered on the role of Digital Public Infrastructure, or DPI, in expanding financial inclusion [2]. The two leaders examined how these systems facilitate the delivery of affordable financial services to underserved populations. Modi said the digital systems impacted the ease of living for Indian citizens [3].
Queen Maxima, who is on a three-day visit to India [4], said India has made progress in financial inclusion and digital advancement [5]. The visit provided a platform for the Dutch monarch to observe the practical application of DPI in a large-scale economy.
The leaders explored how India's experience with digital systems could be adapted to improve the lives of people in partner countries [2]. This exchange focused on the potential for technology to bridge the gap in financial accessibility, and reduce the costs of providing essential services [2].
Throughout the talks, the focus remained on the scalability of these digital tools. The ability to implement secure, interoperable systems at a national level is a key component of the Indian model that the Netherlands is examining during this visit [1].
“India's Digital Public Infrastructure is enhancing ease of living.”
This meeting signals a strategic effort by India to leverage its success with the 'India Stack'—the combination of digital identity and payment systems—as a diplomatic tool. By engaging with European royalty and leadership, India is attempting to establish its digital framework as a global standard for financial inclusion, potentially opening doors for technical partnerships and the adoption of Indian fintech solutions in the Global North and South.
