India's Regulatory System Promotes Transparency and Oversight in High-Tech Exports, Says DGFT Sarangi

The nation's regulatory framework is committed to a strong and clear process for exporting advanced technology products, according to a senior official. Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlighted the role of IT-driven processes, smooth licensing, and industry engagement in boosting these exports while ensuring strict regulatory control.

Representative image

At the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2025 in Bengaluru, Sarangi stressed the significance of India's export control system. This system ensures a robust and transparent process for high-tech exports. India regulates the export of dual-use items, nuclear-related products, and military goods, including software and technology, under a list notified by the DGFT as part of the Foreign Trade Policy.

Strategic Trade Controls and International Conventions

The conference aims to highlight the importance of effective strategic trade controls. It showcases India's legal and regulatory framework in this area and facilitates the exchange of best practices and information on strategic trade controls. This effort is directed towards preventing the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems.

Additionally, the event promotes dialogue between government bodies and industry stakeholders. This interaction helps assess and mitigate emerging risks linked to exporting sensitive goods and technologies. The focus is on ensuring that strategic trade controls are effective in managing these risks.

Growth in SCOMET Exports

The export of dual-use SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) items has experienced significant growth recently. In 2024, authorisations issued under SCOMET doubled compared to 2023. The DGFT issued authorisations valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024, up from USD 1.4 billion in 2023.

According to an official statement, the conference underscores the importance of India's strategic trade control system. It aligns with international conventions to regulate exports effectively. The system plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and robustness in high-tech exports.

The conference also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and relevant information on strategic trade controls. This exchange aims to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems while fostering collaboration between government authorities and industry stakeholders.

India's commitment to regulating dual-use items is evident through its strategic trade control system. The system ensures compliance with international conventions while facilitating dialogue with industry stakeholders to address emerging risks associated with sensitive exports.