New Delhi: India’s development trajectory shows that rapid economic expansion and social inclusion can move forward together, offering a model that many countries are now looking to emulate. This assessment comes from Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator of the UN Development Programme, who said India has successfully combined technology, climate action and people-centric policies to create a balanced and equitable growth path.
During a three-day visit to India aimed at strengthening cooperation in digital transformation and climate initiatives, Xu noted that India’s growth story stands out because it relies not only on economic gains but also on participatory governance and targeted social welfare. He said India continues to chart development pathways that are both economically sound and environmentally responsible, especially through commitments such as renewable energy expansion, climate adaptation and digital financial inclusion.
Xu pointed to global challenges highlighted in the latest Human Development Index, which shows progress slowing worldwide. Against this backdrop, he said India has demonstrated that deliberate investments in people can accompany strong economic performance. As a leading voice of the Global South, India is also helping other nations by sharing tools, policy frameworks and technological models through South-South cooperation.
He highlighted flagship schemes such as MGNREGA and Ayushman Bharat, calling them examples of how livelihood support can be paired with social protection. India’s digital public infrastructure, including the JAM trinity and UPI, was cited as a global benchmark for transparent and effective delivery of benefits. Xu said these platforms have shown how digital systems can be designed to solve real-world problems, reduce costs and ensure broad access.
He also praised initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme, which uses data and community engagement to reduce regional disparities. India’s emphasis on green jobs and climate-resilient livelihoods was described as a key step in aligning economic opportunity with sustainability goals.
Speaking on climate finance, Xu said developing nations need trillions in investment by 2030, yet access to funds remains slow and complicated. He stressed that global systems must become faster, simpler and more predictable, and that adaptation should receive far greater support due to its high economic returns.
Xu said platforms such as CoWIN and the newly developed U-WIN demonstrate how technology can strengthen public health at scale. He added that UNDP continues to collaborate with India as countries prepare to accelerate climate commitments and expand financing frameworks that support the Sustainable Development Goals.
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