India’s digital explosion: the country where internet became mainstream in one generation

Over the past decade, India has made a digital leap: the share of internet users grew from 15% in 2015 to approximately 70% in 2025.Today, the country has more than 900 million people with access to the internet — the second highest number in the world after China.

The main drivers have been affordable Android smartphones and some of the cheapest mobile data plans in the world, which made it possible to connect even remote rural areas.

Why does this matter and what’s next? India’s example clearly demonstrates the contribution mobile internet makes to the economies of developing countries. A massive online audience is already reshaping the markets for finance, entertainment, and public services. However, mere access to the network does not guarantee economic growth — the country’s next challenge is to turn millions of new users into deep digital engagement. If it succeeds, India could become one of the world’s largest digital economies.