According to Ingrid Schneider, India has made great strides in its digital strategies and data governance. However, India must ensure that its digital strategies and data governance are inclusive, transparent, secure, and conducive to sustainable development. India's G-20 presidency has provided an opportunity for the country to showcase its advancements in the digital arena, particularly with regards to data infrastructures and data governance. The launch of India's Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), a consent management tool, has generated both excitement and concern among stakeholders. While the advances in financial inclusion and the successful implementation of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India are commendable, it remains to be seen whether these advancements can be replicated successfully in other areas such as health and agriculture. The issue of data sovereignty has become an increasingly important issue. The term "data sovereignty" refers to the principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and also to the informational self-determination of citizens over their data. Data sovereignty requires the development of clear, transparent and accountable data governance policies and regulations as well as investment in the necessary digital infrastructure and skills to ensure that data is collected, stored, and used in a responsible, secure and accountable manner.
