The crucial role of data governance in India’s digital growth

By Arvind Subramanian, Executive Vice President, Managing Director for India at Iron Mountain

India’s economy has witnessed rapid digital transformation over the past decade, driven by widespread internet access, government initiatives like ‘Digital India,’ and the accelerated adoption of technologies such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing. With India’s digital economy projected to grow nearly twice as fast as the overall economy and contribute close to one-fifth of national income by 2029–30, this momentum is being further strengthened by strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, the government’s ₹500 crore allocation for a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education reflects a strong intent to embed advanced analytics across public services and build a future-ready, data-driven economy.

While all these investments aim to position India as a global leader in the digital economy and unlock immense opportunities, they also introduce new challenges—particularly in data management ...