External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates engaged in a fruitful exchange of ideas and literature during their recent meeting in New Delhi. The two esteemed leaders swapped books as a symbol of intellectual exchange, showcasing their commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar captured the moment with a photograph featuring himself and Gates holding their respective books, accompanied by the caption: “A good book exchange with @BillGates. And a great conversation.” The meeting, which took place on Thursday, underscored the importance of dialogue between global leaders in addressing key challenges and opportunities.
Gates, who is currently on a visit to India, began his journey in the vibrant state of Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday, where he engaged with local stakeholders and discussed various initiatives. Following his visit to Odisha, Gates proceeded to the national capital, where he met with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss healthcare innovations and partnerships.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Gates expressed his optimism about India’s future, citing significant advancements across various sectors. He commended India’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for spearheading initiatives such as digital public infrastructure and rural economic transformation. Gates emphasized the potential for other countries to learn from India’s successful models, particularly in digital connectivity and agricultural innovation.
“I’m certainly bullish. The rate of improvement in a lot of the key areas is very strong. Everyone knows that in vaccines, India is the world’s leader,” Gates remarked. He highlighted India’s pivotal role in vaccine development and its emergence as a global leader in the diagnostic industry, especially in response to the pandemic.
Gates praised India’s Aadhaar initiative and digital banking systems as exemplary models of inclusive development, noting their transformative impact on sectors like agriculture. He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital connectivity to empower rural communities and enhance access to essential services.
As India continues its journey towards progress and innovation, the exchange between Jaishankar and Gates serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between India and global leaders in advancing shared goals and aspirations for a brighter future.
