New Delhi, August 02nd , 2025: Reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving self reliance in emerging technologies, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, reiterated that the ₹1 lakh crore fund will be dedicated to boost the private sector to drive India’s sovereign technology ambitions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh made these remarks while addressing the ASSOCHAM Conference on “Sovereign Tech for India’s Digital Transformation”, held under the theme ‘Bharat@100’.
The Government of India has launched the ambitious ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme to transform private sector R&D, particularly in sunrise and strategic sectors. The scheme will provide long-term, low-interest loans and risk capital to support deep-tech, critical technologies, and transformative projects.
A dedicated Deep-Tech Fund of Funds will also be established to scale up private investment in innovation. The scheme will be anchored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
“Digital sovereignty is not about autonomy or data jurisdiction alone—it is a broader concept encompassing conscious choices around Make, Buy, and Assemble,” said Mr. Wolfgang Dierker, Global Head of Government Affairs, SAP. “It offers immense opportunities for innovation and growth. Sovereign technology, if aligned with sovereignty principles, remains a critical pillar for India’s digital transformation. SAP remains committed to balancing innovation with national security and strengthening the backbone of Indian enterprises as the nation advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Datacenter and Co-Founder, MD & CEO, Yotta Data Services, highlighted the significance of AI-driven infrastructure. “For India to truly lead in the digital era, we must own our technology future. Sovereign AI goes beyond data security – it’s about building models and platforms that understand our languages, reflect our realities, and serve our people at scale. ASSOCHAM’s conference plays a crucial role in shaping this unified strategy. At Yotta, we are enabling this vision through sovereign hyperscale data centers and AI cloud infrastructure that empower enterprises and public institutions alike.”
Mr. Ranjeet Goswami, Global Head, Corporate Affairs, TCS, reflected on the company’s long-standing role in India’s digital journey. “For over five decades, TCS has been a partner in India’s growth journey–supporting and accelerating the country’s digital dreams. As India embarks on a new digital innovation journey led by AI and quantum technologies, TCS is furthering its commitment on building technologies that will lay the foundation for a digitally secure India, fostering trust and ensuring data integrity. TCS’ Sovereign Secure Cloud is one such solution that is aimed at establishing digital sovereignty while supporting the government to perpetually adapt and build robust digital infrastructure.”
The conference underscored that India’s digital future must be built on sovereign principles—rooted in trust, innovation, and self-reliance. ASSOCHAM reaffirmed its commitment to advancing this agenda through policy advocacy, collaborative platforms, and industry partnerships.