Think Tank Warns of 'Major Vulnerability' from Reliance on US Tech
Indian think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that the country's deep reliance on US software, cloud services, and social media platforms poses a significant economic and security risk. The GTRI report states that in times of geopolitical tension, Washington could disrupt critical systems in banking, governance, and defence by cutting off access. It recommends launching a "Digital Swaraj Mission" to develop sovereign cloud infrastructure, indigenous operating systems, and homegrown cybersecurity to mitigate this vulnerability.
Unpacked:
India risks disruptions in critical sectors like banking, governance, and defense if access to US-controlled software, cloud services, or social media is cut off during geopolitical tensions. There are also concerns about vulnerability to disinformation campaigns, compromised data sovereignty, and the potential paralysis of digital payments and government services in case of a sudden cutoff.
The 'Digital Swaraj Mission' is a phased plan to achieve Indian self-reliance in digital infrastructure by 2030. Its objectives include developing sovereign cloud infrastructure, indigenous operating systems, and robust domestic cybersecurity, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term targets for migrating government systems to Indian software and achieving cloud parity.
China has already replaced foreign code in its government, defense, and industrial systems, while Europe is building sovereign cloud solutions and enacting regulatory frameworks like the Digital Markets Act. India is currently more reliant on US platforms but aims to catch up through initiatives like the Digital Swaraj Mission.
Developing competitive domestic technology, building sovereign cloud and OS infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and migrating millions of devices and systems away from US platforms are major challenges. Additionally, India must foster skilled talent, invest in R&D, and overcome market dominance of established US tech firms.