Introduction

In today’s globally connected world, technology evolves rapidly, but its adoption varies greatly between countries. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), especially those with ties to both India and Western countries like the US, UK, or Canada, navigating these differences can be both a challenge and an opportunity. This article explores key tech trends, comparing their adoption and implementation in India versus Western countries, and how NRIs bridge these technological divides.

5G Rollout: Speed vs. Reach

India’s 5G Surge

India officially launched 5G in October 2022 and has since made significant progress in coverage across major cities and towns. Telecom giants like Jio and Airtel are leading the charge, offering affordable plans and aggressive rollouts.

Western Maturity

In contrast, the US, UK, and Canada began rolling out 5G as early as 2019, with infrastructure more developed in urban areas. However, regulatory hurdles and cost barriers have slowed down full-scale deployment in rural regions.

NRI Navigation

NRIs familiar with 5G abroad often find Indian pricing and accessibility more inclusive but note issues with speed consistency and device compatibility.

IoT (Internet of Things): Smart Homes and Cities

India: Catching Up Rapidly

IoT is a growing sector in India, with smart cities being a central government focus. Yet consumer adoption in homes remains limited due to cost sensitivity and low digital literacy in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Western Landscape

In the West, smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, and smart security systems are mainstream. IoT is heavily integrated into daily life, supported by robust internet infrastructure.

NRIs’ Role

NRIs often act as technology evangelists, introducing IoT tools to Indian relatives and investing in smart tech businesses within India.

Blockchain: Hype vs. Regulation

India’s Regulatory Ambiguity

While blockchain has enormous potential in India, especially in supply chain and banking, the regulatory stance remains unclear. Cryptocurrency, a major application of blockchain, faces restrictions.

Western Innovation

Western nations, particularly the US and UK, lead in blockchain innovation, with startups and financial institutions leveraging it for transparent and secure operations.

NRIs’ Investment Strategies

NRIs are often more comfortable investing in blockchain ventures in the West, while cautiously monitoring Indian developments. Some play a bridging role, sharing insights and lobbying for clearer Indian regulations.

Payment Systems: UPI vs. Credit Infrastructure

India’s UPI Boom

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments in India with instant, no-fee transactions. Adoption is widespread, from street vendors to e-commerce platforms.

West’s Credit-First Approach

The West relies heavily on credit card systems, with Apple Pay and Google Pay acting as layers atop a mature but costlier infrastructure.

How NRIs Adapt

NRIs often experience friction moving between these systems, especially when trying to send money home or navigate credit scoring requirements across borders.

Cybersecurity Concerns and Digital Literacy

India’s Challenges

As India rapidly digitizes, concerns around data privacy, cyber fraud, and misinformation have surged. Awareness and digital education are still developing.

Western Standards

Western countries have stricter cybersecurity laws and more consumer awareness, though challenges persist.

NRIs as Educators

NRIs frequently serve as digital mentors to family and business contacts in India, promoting safer online practices.

Conclusion

The pace and style of tech adoption differ markedly between India and the West. While India excels in affordability and scale, Western nations lead in infrastructure and regulation. NRIs, with their bicultural fluency, are uniquely positioned to navigate these contrasts, fostering cross-border knowledge, investment, and innovation.

FAQs

1. What are the main tech differences NRIs notice between India and the West?
Differences in infrastructure, regulation, and user behavior—especially in payments, IoT, and mobile networks.

2. How can NRIs influence tech adoption in India?
Through investments, educational outreach, and cross-border tech entrepreneurship.

3. Is UPI available for NRIs living abroad?
Yes, NRIs with Indian bank accounts and international mobile numbers can now use UPI in select countries.

4. Are NRIs investing in Indian blockchain startups?
Some are, though many prefer more stable regulatory environments like the US or UK for blockchain ventures.

5. How do NRIs handle cybersecurity concerns across regions?
They often adopt Western security tools and practices, and encourage friends and family in India to do the same.