Technological leapfrog will transform India, says Kant

A technological leapfrog will transform India and the country must seize the opportunity to lead in clean-tech manufacturing amid global disruptions, India’s G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Centre for Science and Environment’s annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue, Kant also acknowledged that the lack of financial support from developed nations, historically responsible for climate change, could impact developing countries’ new climate targets.

Kant said disruptions in global trade have created a significant opportunity for India. “There is a vacuum, and India can fill it. By doing so, we can accelerate economic growth,” he said.

He said that India has made remarkable technological progress in areas like fintech, citing UPI as an example.

“We should replicate this success in clean-tech manufacturing, including solar energy, green hydrogen, batteries and electric vehicles. This is an opportunity for India to exceed 500 GW in renewable energy capacity by 2030. Disruptions are inevitable and we must lead,” he added.