SITARA & BDIA Dialogue on Digital Sovereignty, FTAs and National Security

The Science Indigenous Technology & Advanced Research Accelerator (SITARA) – a think/do aimed at fostering a high-tech, R&D-intensive economy in India, with a focus on promoting indigenous science, industrial policy, and technology development – and the Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) – a not-for-profit industry body focused on technology sovereignty – jointly organised a high-level discussion at the India International Centre on the urgent need for implementing a Digital Atmanirbharta programme. The session was chaired by Ambassador Ashok Kantha and came at a critical juncture following the imposition of supplementary 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the US and the recent hike in H1B visa fees — both posing severe setbacks to India’s economy.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Sasmit Patra, Hon’ble MP, Shri Parminder Jeet Singh, Digital Affairs Expert, Shri Abhishek Bhatt, Founder & Secretary General, BDIA, Shri Ashish Sonal, AI & Security Specialist, and Amb. Smita Purushottam, Founder, SITARA. Shri K ...