Import alert issued by Adani: 90% of semiconductors imported, potential sanctions may halt our digital economy growth

Adani Urges Self-Reliance and Data Sovereignty at IIT Kharagpur

In a significant address at the 75th foundation day of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani compared the current global struggle to the struggle for India's right to govern 80 years ago. He emphasised that while the weapons may have changed, the fight continues.

Adani highlighted the vulnerability of India's digital economy, which is heavily dependent on imported semiconductors, accounting for 90% of its needs. He warned that a disruption or sanction could freeze India's digital economy, potentially causing significant economic impact.

The world, according to Adani, is at a "major inflection point" as conventional wars give way to technology-driven battles of power. He described the freedom to be fought for as the freedom of self-reliance, the freedom of Atmanirbharta. Adani encouraged the students to strive for self-reliance, referring to them as the "next generation of freedom fighters" for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Adani also emphasised the importance of data sovereignty, stating that data leaving India's borders strengthens foreign dominance. He described the wars of today as often invisible, fought in server farms, not in trenches, with algorithms as weapons, and empires built in data centers.

In addition to the digital economy, Adani also pointed out India's energy vulnerability, noting that 85% of its oil is imported. He warned that India's dependence on imports for critical technologies and energy could leave the country vulnerable to global disruptions.

Adani also addressed the vulnerability of India's critical military systems, which are sourced from foreign nations. He highlighted the potential for national security to be exposed to the political will and supply chains of other countries. He pointed out India's use of important military systems, such as the Dassault Rafale fighter jets, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, as well as the French-made MICA missile system.

Adani emphasised India's efforts towards future autonomy in defense manufacturing, seeking access to technology such as the Rafale source code to integrate Indian weapons. He encouraged self-reliance in defense production to reduce India's dependence on foreign nations.

In conclusion, Adani's address at IIT Kharagpur underscored the importance of self-reliance and data sovereignty in the face of increasing global vulnerabilities. His calls for India to strive for Atmanirbharta resonated with the students, who were inspired to become the next generation of freedom fighters for a self-reliant India.

Import alert issued by Adani: 90% of semiconductors imported, potential sanctions may halt our digital economy growth