Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has praised India as a global innovation leader, emphasizing that the country’s scalable, low-cost technologies hold immense potential to transform lives across the Global South.

Speaking at an event in Seattle organized by the Indian Consulate General in partnership with the Gates Foundation, the Microsoft co-founder highlighted India’s pioneering role in healthcare and digital innovation. “India stands as a global leader in innovation, pioneering solutions with the potential to save and improve millions of lives across the Global South,” Gates said, reaffirming his commitment to supporting India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

According to a report by India Narrative, India’s achievements in affordable healthcare, vaccine manufacturing, and diagnostics are setting global benchmarks. The country produces low-cost vaccines that reach millions worldwide and has developed saliva-based tuberculosis tests priced under $2, revolutionizing early disease detection in resource-limited regions.

Gates also commended India’s advancements in digital public infrastructure (DPI), including its unified digital payments platform and the integration of AI tools in rural healthcare. These technologies are improving maternal care, disease surveillance, and patient data management.

India’s Anusandhan National Research Fund — with an investment of ₹1 lakh crore — aims to accelerate basic research and innovation, strengthening its global position in science and technology.

From artificial intelligence and clean energy to 5G and quantum computing, India continues to drive inclusive innovation. With more than 111 unicorn startups and globally recognized universities, the country ranks among the top middle-income economies in research output.

Gates’ endorsement underscores that India’s innovation ecosystem is not only transforming its own economy but also offering scalable solutions for the developing world.