Securing India: Balancing self-reliance and collaboration
Securing India: Balancing self-reliance and collaboration
By Suryesh Kumar Namdeo, Senior Research & Col Pavithran Rajan, Advisor to CNSS Council
India’s push for technological self-reliance—highlighted by the government’s adoption of Zoho for official documentation—marks a pivotal shift toward data sovereignty. With U.S. (CLOUD Act, FISA 702) and Chinese intelligence laws enabling foreign access to Indian data, reducing dependency on external digital infrastructure is now a national priority.
Technological dependence increases risks of cyber espionage, IP theft, and disruption of critical research in AI, biotechnology, and defence. India must adopt a risk-based framework that secures sensitive research, strengthens domestic platforms through the RDI scheme, and preserves global collaboration. Achieving strategic autonomy is essential for research security and long-term technological leadership.