Introduction

Dependence on foreign technology in defence, satellite communications + cloud computing can threaten India’s strategic autonomy.

Challenges

• Security risks: Foreign restrictions may disrupt military communications + operational planning.
• Digital sovereignty: Reliance on AWS, Azure + Google Cloud raises data security concerns.
• Defence dependence: Tejas relies on imported GE engines, exposing production to external policy shifts.
• Satellite vulnerability: Indian ownership does not ensure control over underlying satellite networks.
• Industrial gaps: Dependence on imported semiconductors + critical components limits resilience.

Reforms/Way Forward

• Indigenous capacity: Strengthen ISRO, NavIC + domestic defence manufacturing.
• Digital infrastructure: Expand MeghRaj cloud + indigenous systems like BOSS.
• Semiconductor ecosystem: Promote chip design, fabrication + advanced packaging.
• Risk assessment: Conduct security audits of critical foreign technology providers.
• Global collaboration: Diversify suppliers + pursue competitive self-reliance without technological protectionism.

Conclusion

India must balance strategic autonomy with global cooperation to build a secure, resilient + innovation-driven technology ecosystem.