In a significant move towards strengthening international ties in the realm of digital transformation, the Union Cabinet of India, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 13, 2023. This MoU signifies a cooperative effort between the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Information, Communications Technologies, Utilities, and Energy of Antigua & Barbuda. The primary objective is to share successful digital solutions implemented at a population scale for digital transformation.
The core aim of this MoU is to foster closer cooperation and the exchange of experiences and digital technologies-based solutions, prominently exemplified by the INDIA STACK initiative. Both nations intend to harness these digital transformational initiatives to enhance collaboration, which, in turn, is expected to create employment opportunities within the IT sector.
This collaborative agreement is set to come into effect from the date of its signature and will remain in force for a duration of three years. The cooperation will encompass both Government-to-Government (G2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) bilateral efforts, with a particular focus on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Importantly, the financial aspects of the activities outlined in the MoU will be sustained through the regular operating allocations of the respective administrations. This approach ensures that the collaboration remains sustainable and impactful.
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) of India has been actively engaging with several countries and multilateral agencies to promote cooperation and exchange of information in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain. These initiatives align with the broader goals of the Indian government, including Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Make in India, among others. The objective is to empower India digitally, transform it into a knowledge economy, and explore business opportunities and investments in the digital sector.
India’s prowess in implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has garnered international attention, especially for its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many nations have expressed interest in learning from India’s experiences, leading to the signing of MoUs like this one. India Stack Solutions, developed and implemented at a population scale, aim to provide universal access to public services through open, interoperable technologies that encourage innovation.