Shaping India’s Digital Future: An Exclusive Conversation with Vinit Goenka, Secretary, Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty
March 26, 2025
With a keen focus on the vision for fostering innovation and self-reliance, we delve into crucial factors that will define India’s trajectory in the digital space. The Secretary shares valuable insights on the key threats facing India in this rapidly evolving landscape, as well as strategies to promote homegrown tech startups and reduce reliance on foreign technology. In an exclusive interaction with Vinit Goenka, Secretary, Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty, Veloxx Media delves into the critical challenges and opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of India’s digital ecosystem and the steps necessary to ensure a secure and prosperous future.
Below are the given edited excerpts
- Can you share the vision and mission of the Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS)?
The Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS) is a decade-old think-tank established under the leadership of Lt. Gen. D. B. Shekatkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.) with a vision to establish India as a global leader in knowledge sovereignty by fostering self-reliant, indigenous, and secure digital and technological ecosystems.
We aim to drive innovation, policy advocacy, and strategic collaborations that empower India’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance frameworks. Our key focus areas include:
- Advancing Digital and Technological Self-Reliance – Advocating for policies that empower India to develop, control, and secure its critical digital infrastructure.
- Ensuring Data Sovereignty – Strengthening India’s control over its digital assets, minimising reliance on foreign entities.
- Fostering Indigenous Innovation – Supporting research and the adoption of homegrown technologies to enhance resilience and global competitiveness.
- Shaping Policy Frameworks – Providing a platform for government, industry, and academia to collaborate on policy recommendations and make formal submissions to the government.
CKS remains committed to building a self-sufficient and sovereign digital future for India through research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
2. How do you define knowledge sovereignty, and why is it crucial for India’s digital future?
Knowledge sovereignty is the ability of a nation to control, manage, and protect its digital, technological, and intellectual resources without external dependency. It ensures that critical data, cybersecurity infrastructure, and emerging technologies remain within national jurisdiction, serving the country’s strategic and economic interests.
For India, knowledge sovereignty is essential to safeguard data security, reduce reliance on foreign technology, and promote indigenous innovation. Strengthening local tech ecosystems, enforcing data protection laws, and investing in homegrown R&D will enhance digital resilience. A self-reliant digital framework ensures India’s long-term economic growth, cybersecurity, and global competitiveness.
3. What are the biggest cybersecurity threats India faces today, and how can they be addressed?
India faces growing cybersecurity threats, including data breaches, cyber espionage, ransomware attacks, deepfakes, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Critical sectors like defence, energy, and finance are at risk, while misinformation threatens public trust and national security.
To counter these risks, India must strengthen data protection laws, build indigenous cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance public-private collaboration. Investing in cyber awareness, skill development, and AI-driven threat intelligence will boost resilience. CKS advocates for robust policies to safeguard India’s digital security and sovereignty.
4. How can India promote homegrown tech startups and reduce reliance on foreign technology?
India can strengthen its technological independence by fostering a robust ecosystem for indigenous startups. Encouraging R&D investments through government grants and tax incentives will drive innovation in critical sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductor manufacturing. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the development of homegrown solutions while ensuring scalability and global competitiveness.
Building a self-reliant digital infrastructure is crucial. Policies that prioritise local procurement and data sovereignty will create opportunities for Indian startups to thrive. Strengthening intellectual property (IP) protection and easing regulatory barriers will further support entrepreneurs. Additionally, promoting skill development in emerging technologies will ensure a talent pipeline for innovation-driven industries.
5. What role should the government play in regulating big tech companies while ensuring innovation?
The government must ensure that big tech operates fairly while fostering innovation. Regulating data privacy, competition, and content moderation is essential to prevent monopolistic practices and safeguard user rights. Strong data protection laws can ensure accountability while preventing exploitation of India’s digital market.
At the same time, policies should encourage homegrown innovation by supporting startups, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and investing in emerging technologies.
6. How does India compare with other nations in digital sovereignty and cybersecurity policies?
India is making significant strides in digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, but challenges remain. Countries like the U.S. and China have advanced cybersecurity ecosystems, with strict data localisation policies and strong domestic tech industries. The EU’s GDPR sets a global benchmark for data privacy, while China’s Great Firewall ensures tight control over digital infrastructure.
India is progressing with initiatives like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), data localisation policies, and indigenous cybersecurity frameworks. However, reliance on foreign technology and gaps in enforcement remain concerns. Strengthening local tech ecosystems, cybersecurity regulations, and AI-driven threat intelligence will help India match global leaders.
7. What are your views on India’s position in the global AI and semiconductor race?
India is emerging as a key player in AI and semiconductors, but it still lags behind global leaders like the U.S., China, and Taiwan in manufacturing and innovation. With its strong IT talent pool, AI research hubs, and government-backed initiatives like the India AI Mission, India is making progress in AI development. However, challenges such as limited semiconductor fabrication capabilities and dependence on imports hinder growth.
To compete globally, India must invest in semiconductor labs, incentivise R&D, and promote AI-driven startups. Strengthening domestic supply chains and fostering AI innovation will be crucial for India to secure a leadership position in these strategic industries.
8. Where do you see India’s digital landscape evolving in the next 5–10 years?
India’s digital landscape is poised for rapid transformation, driven by AI, 5G expansion, digital payments, and data sovereignty initiatives. The rise of indigenous tech startups, semiconductor manufacturing, and cybersecurity infrastructure will reduce reliance on foreign technology. Strengthening data protection laws and regulatory frameworks will be key to securing India’s digital sovereignty and ensuring long-term technological independence.
In the next decade, AI adoption, smart governance, and deep-tech innovations will position India as a global digital leader. Investments in digital skilling and infrastructure will bridge the urban-rural divide, creating a more inclusive economy. Strengthening cybersecurity and indigenous R&D will be crucial for a self-reliant digital ecosystem. CKS is actively fostering innovation through its flagship initiative, the Master Mentors Geo-Enabling Indian Scholars (MMGEIS), in collaboration with Esri India. This program offers free mentorship by industry experts in geospatial technology to students from 8th standard to undergraduate level, equipping them with future-ready skills. Through such initiatives, India will embrace and lead in technological growth
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