Next wave of digital growth to benefit rural India, says Rajesh Magow at IDS 2025, ET TravelWorld

Speaking at the 19th India Digital Summit (IDS), Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, predicted that rural India will be the next frontier for digital growth. He emphasised that the digital revolution, which has primarily benefited urban and semi-urban areas, will soon extend its benefits to the rural population.

According to Magow, the foundation laid by initiatives like smartphones and digital infrastructure has set the stage for this transformation.

“The digital revolution has benefitted the urban class and maybe the semi-urban class. I do see the next wave of growth or benefit will be for rural India. I’m pretty confident that it will happen because of the foundation that has been set,” Magow stated.

Magow also elaborated on the immense opportunities that smartphones will provide to rural India, forecasting that nearly a billion people will be using smartphones, which will not only broaden access to digital tools but also generate employment and create new avenues for rural communities. “There are so many creators and influencers not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well. This is going to bring in more inclusivity,” he added.

Discussing the government’s role in facilitating digital empowerment, Magow acknowledged the success of the UID program, which has provided a solid foundation for inclusive growth, and the introduction of UPI, which has revolutionised peer-to-peer payments.

He also underscored the importance of the private sector in driving digital adoption, stating, “The private sector should be at the forefront of adopting technologies.”

Magow also raised concerns about the growing threat of cybercrime, stressing the need for proactive measures and collaboration to address these challenges. He suggested that a combination of robust laws, investment in cybersecurity, and sharing data across businesses can help mitigate the risks posed by cyberattacks.