Google CEO Sundar Pichai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday and said it is inspiring to see the rapid pace of technological change under his leadership.
“Thank you for a great meeting today PM @narendramodi. Inspiring to see the rapid pace of technological change under your leadership. Look forward to continuing our strong partnership and supporting India’s G20 presidency to advance an open, connected internet that works for all, Pichai said in a tweet.
India formally assumed G20 Presidency on December 1 this year from Indonesia.
He is also reported to have discussed with PM Modi how Google is supporting small businesses and start-ups, investing in cybersecurity, providing education and skills training, applying AI in sectors like agriculture and healthcare, and other priorities.
“Prime Minister Modi’s Digital India vision has helped to accelerate the progress we’re seeing across India, and I’m excited for India to share its experience with the world as it takes over the G20 presidency in 2023,” Pichai said earlier in the day.
Earlier this month, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu formally handed over Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, to Sundar Pichai in San Francisco.
“Delighted to hand over Padma Bhushan to Google CEO Sundar Pichai in San Francisco. His inspirational journey from Madurai to Mountain View, strengthening India-America economic and tech ties, reaffirms Indian talent’s contribution to global innovation,” Sandhu had said in a tweet.
After receiving the Padma Bhushan, Pichai had thanked Sandhu and the Consul General for hosting him to receive the Padma Bhushan.
“I am deeply grateful to the Indian government and the people of India for this immense honour. It is incredibly meaningful to be honoured in this way by the country that shaped me,” he said.
Pichai, who joined Google in 2004, became the CEO of the company in 2015. PM Modi had congratulated him on his appointment as CEO.