India kept in dark: Rahul slams govt on data sovereignty
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday raised concerns over India's data sovereignty and asserted that the country should be leading the global tech race, but instead it is being kept in the dark about how its data will be protected.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said India's data belongs to its people and in the AI economy, it can be one of its biggest strengths - to build AI, grow companies, and create jobs.
"So I asked the government some important questions about the recent trade deal with the US:- What does 'reducing barriers' with the United States mean for our data? Will our health data, financial data, and government databases stay in India? Can India still require foreign companies to store data here and use it to build our own AI?" Gandhi said in a post on his WhatsApp channel.
"Every question on our data sovereignty, health data, AI, and local data storage gets the same treatment: 'framework', 'balance', 'autonomy' - big words, zero specifics," the former Congress president said.
The government refuses to tell the country what it is negotiating away, he alleged.
"We should be leading the global tech race, but instead we are kept in the dark about how India's data will be protected," Gandhi said.
People deserve transparency and accountability regarding country's data, he asserted.
"We deserve to own and use our data to build a better future," Gandhi said.
In his question to the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology in Lok Sabha on April 1, Gandhi had asked about the manner in which the government reconciles its commitment under the United States-India Joint Statement to reduce barriers to digital trade with India's data localisation rules, cross-border data regulations and broader digital framework.
He had also asked whether any policy changes are proposed to protect regulatory autonomy; if so, whether these commitments could restrict India's ability to mandate local storage of critical data, limit foreign access to sensitive digital infrastructure or regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) now or in the future.
Gandhi also asked if the details of critical infrastructure such as financial systems, digital identity, health and welfare databases, telecom networks and AI datasets, are affected and to what extent and if not, the reasons therefore.
He also enquired about the details of the safeguards ensuring these commitments do not weaken India's ability to use domestic data for indigenous Al development, domestic value creation and strategic digital autonomy particularly regarding data localisation, market access conditions, cross-border restrictions and technology transfer.
In his written response to the statement, Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada said India has a vibrant IT ecosystem with revenues exceeding 280 billion US Dollars and exports of 225 billion US Dollars in FY 2024-25.
It employs more than 60 lakh people and therefore, digital trade is an important component of India's economy, he said.
"India's Free Trade Agreements: Government of India is firmly committed to fostering and expanding digital trade partnerships with potential nations across the world. India has concluded three Free Trade Agreements with United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the European Union, each of which includes a Digital Trade Chapter as a key component," Prasada said.
In these agreements, India has effectively safeguarded its interests while securing market access, he said.
Prasada further said the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), currently under negotiations, seeks to foster a free, fair, and dynamic digital environment, enabling deeper collaboration in the field of Digital Trade.
"India and the United States have established a framework for an interim agreement that reflects both nations' shared commitment to fostering an open, and equitable digital trade environment," the minister said.
This interim framework charts a pathway toward achieving reciprocal and mutually beneficial digital trade guidelines as a vital component of the India-US BTA, he said.
India has preserved its regulatory autonomy in data governance, while striking a careful balance between advancing emerging technologies and promoting cross-border cooperation,Prasada said.
In no way, such agreements restricts India's ability to take measures for managing India's own data within the established legal framework, he asserted.
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India chase Billie Jean King Cup play-offs spot; Shrivalli pull out due to back spasm
New Delhi (PTI): India will look to make the most of familiar conditions and home support when the Asia-Oceania Group I ties of the Billie Jean King Cup begin at the DLTA Complex on Tuesday, with promotion to the 2026 play-offs firmly on their radar.
However, the home challenge has suffered a dent with the withdrawal of talented Shrivalli Bhamidipaty.
Placed alongside Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and Thailand, the hosts face a stiff challenge in a tightly-contested field where only the top two teams will progress, while the bottom two sides will be relegated to Group II for 2027.
India return to the regional competition after a disappointing outing in the 2025 play-offs held in Bengaluru, where they finished third in a three-team Group G.
The hosts suffered a 1-2 defeat to Slovenia and a 0-3 loss to the Netherlands, despite spirited efforts from debutant Shrivalli and Sahaja Yamalapalli.
That campaign marked a transition phase for the team, and the responsibility in singles now firmly rests on Sahaja and top-ranked Vaishnavi Adkar, who lead India's charge in the format.
Experienced campaigner Ankita Raina, meanwhile, is expected to focus on doubles duties, where her experience alongside Rutuja Bhosale remains a key asset. It won't be a surprise if skipper Vishal Uppal asks Ankita to play singles also during the tournament.
Sahaja, India's number two player at number 384, has been a consistent performer on the ITF circuit, reaching multiple semifinals over the past year and breaking into the top-300, underlining her role as the team's lead singles option.
She also gained valuable exposure at the WTA level, including a main-draw win on debut at the Chennai Open, reflecting her ability to compete against higher-ranked opposition.
Shrivalli has shown her big-match temperament in national colours, having gone unbeaten in singles during India's strong run in the 2025 Asia-Oceania Group I event, defeating multiple higher-ranked players.
She faced early exits in recent events such as the Mumbai Open, but her fighting displays continue to underline her potential at this level.
Her withdrawal is a setback for the hosts.
"Shrivalli withdrew from the team due to back spasm. Vaidehee Chaudhari (India number 3) would have replaced her but she twisted her ankle on Thursday while practising with the team. She hasn't fully recovered so we can't risk her. Zeel Desai has replaced her," Uppal told PTI.
"We have to work with and make the best of the cards dealt to us. I am focusing on what we have and how we make the most of it," he said.
The rise of Vaishnavi Adkar has added depth to India's singles line-up. The youngster, now the country's number one singles player at number 383, earned her maiden national call-up after a breakthrough run to the final of a W100 event in Bengaluru -- the first by an Indian woman in over a decade -- and also clinched an ITF title earlier this season, highlighting her rapid progress.
However, the absence of top-200 players remains a concern, with India's singles contingent still outside the top 300, reflecting the gap at the highest level.
Indonesia head into the tournament as favourites, led by the highest-ranked player in the field Janice Tjen, who has rapidly risen into the top 50 of the WTA rankings. Her recent performances underline why she is a major threat.
The world number 41 Tjen made global headlines last year by winning a match on her Grand Slam debut at the US Open, becoming the first Indonesian woman in over two decades to register a victory at that level.
She has carried that momentum into 2026, defeating top-30 player Leylah Fernandez at the Australian Open before reaching the second round. She has the ability to trouble higher-ranked opponents.
On the WTA Tour, she has already shown consistency against quality fields, including wins over established names and a run to the third round in a tour event earlier this season.
Though she suffered an early exit at the Miami Open, her competitive three-set loss against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva further illustrated her fighting ability.
Having also clinched titles across WTA and WTA 125 events in 2025 and broken into the top 50 -- a rare feat for an Indonesian player -- Tjen arrives as the most accomplished singles player in the competition.
Backed by Priska Madelyn Nugroho and doubles specialist Aldila Sutjiadi, Indonesia present a well-rounded challenge.
Korea's line-up, featuring Sohyun Park and Eunhye Lee, offers depth, while New Zealand could prove dangerous with doubles specialist Erin Routliffe in their ranks even though they will miss experienced Lulu Sun, ranked 106.
Thailand, led by Patcharin Cheapchandej and Peangtarn Plipuech, also have the ability to trouble fancied sides, while Mongolia remains the least experienced but unpredictable unit.
For India, the key will be to capitalise on home conditions and deliver under pressure -- an area that cost them in Bengaluru.
If Sahaja and Vaishnavi can deliver in singles and the experienced doubles combination holds firm, the hosts stand a realistic chance of finishing in the top two and earning a return to the play-offs.
Squads:
India: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Zeel Desai, Ankita Raina, Rutuja Bhosale.
Indonesia: Janice Tjen, Priska Madelyn Nugroho, Anjali Kirana Junarto, Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah and Aldila Sutjiadi.
Korea: Sohyun Park, Eunhye Lee, Dayeon Back, BoYoung Jeong, Gaeul Jang.
Mongolia: Jargal Altansarnai, Khongorzul Aldarkhishig, Anu-Vjin Gantor, Oyungerel Khasbaatar.
New Zealand: Monique Barry, Valentina Ivanov, Aishi Das and Erin Routliffe.
Thailand: Patcharin Cheapchandej, Anchisa Chanta, Thasaporn Naklo, Peangtarn Plipuech and Kamonwan Yodpetch.
