A few thoughts on the recent @bharatvaarta podcast that we recorded on #GoogleForIndia, #Jio, and the surge of interest in digital India with @RMantri and @anandlunia. [] 1/n

Just as we hope the state will actively mitigate poverty and illness, we must hope that that the state will provide internet capabilities to 1.3 bn people. 2/n

And just as we are fine with the state’s subsidized food or healthcare, hurting hotels or hospitals - we must make peace with the state’s subsidized internet hurting vested establishments. 3/n

Just as access to food and healthcare improves the productivity of a nation, access to internet capabilities improves productivity - it’s the single biggest leverage in the modern World. 4/n

People can learn new skills, build companies, share information and so on. Internet is not a utility, it’s a platform for leverage. 5/n

The question then is - how will the state deliver this?
A> Develop capabilities through funding research
B> Leverage FAANG for financing and access
C> Back the best equivalent of the FAANG in India

6/n

I would argue that all three options must be considered. 7/n

Option A is subject to developing an innovation ecosystem and will take 2-3 decades’ work (see Silicon Valley) at a minimum, even with the rapid pace of innovation. 8/n

Option B needs closer examination on what we will be giving up - and how we can regulate some of these companies and ensure that we get the best ROI on balance. 9/n

Option C may not be popular with free market enthusiasts, but is something that will give the most benefits in the least amount of time - let Jio build things for cheap. 10/n

The idea of progress is to move forward, even if imperfectly. To think, we will achieve any of our ambitions by being insular, passive, or archaic is to pledge our future to circumstance. 11/n

State activism is not just kosher in the new World, I would argue it’s mandatory for progress. What are the guardrails? Now, that's worthy of debate and discussion. 12/12