Financial Inclusion is the bridge between economic growth and inclusive development. Financial Inclusion is the process of ensuring access to appropriate financial products and services needed by all sections of society in general and vulnerable groups in particular, at an affordable cost, fairly and transparently by mainstream institutional players. According to the latest RBI Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) March 2025, India’s score stands at 67.0, a significant rise from 53.9 in 2021, indicating a decisive shift from “Access” to “Usage”. Financial Inclusion is defined by the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion as the process of ensuring access to financial services and products- credit, savings, insurance and pension- to vulnerable sections at an affordable cost and in a transparent manner. IMPORTANCE Financial inclusion remains the bedrock of a resilient economy, ensuring the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable sections of society. Financial Inclusion is not just a banking goal but a critical macroeconomic necessity. Greater Financial Inclusion is a multiplier effect for the economy. It formalises the economy by pulling the unbanked masses into the financial sphere. Increased CASA ratio for banks expands the deposit base and fuels credit creation. The biggest advantage of financial inclusion has been the enablement of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Since 2014, a total of 38 lakh crore has been disbursed through DBT, saving 3.5 lakh crore to the exchequer by eliminating ghost beneficiaries. Moreover, it enhances agricultural resilience by paving the way for institutional credit through KCC, protecting farmers from the exploitative moneylenders. The 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the United Nations members, identified Financial Inclusion as a key enabler for 7 out of 17 goals. The World Bank also recognises it as a crucial part of development and publishes the Global Findex database to track the usage of financial services by adults across the world. Also, Financial Inclusion is the foundation for ensuring social security to the population.