Abstract

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has emerged as a transformative tool for inclusive growth in India bridging gaps in governance finance and social welfare. Between 2018 and 2025 DPI expanded significantly driven by platforms such as Aadhaar Unified Payments Interface (UPI) CoWIN DigiLocker and India Stack. These systems enabled efficient delivery of public services promoted financial inclusion and empowered marginalized communities by reducing barriers to access. DPI also became central to India’s global image as a leader in digital innovation with UPI and Aadhaar-like models being studied and replicated internationally. However challenges of data privacy digital divides cyber risks and unequal access persisted particularly in rural and low-income communities. This paper examines the role of DPI in fostering inclusive growth in India during this period highlighting both its achievements and limitations. It argues that DPI represents a new model of digital governance but its long-ter