India Reinforces Strategic Trade Controls at National Conference on Exporting Sensitive Technologies

Sector-specific discussions focused on chemicals and biotechnology, electronics and semiconductors, information technology, aerospace and space, and defence exports and munitions-related controls.

 

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and other government and industry partners, today organised the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 in New Delhi.

The conference served as a key platform for in-depth discussions on India’s Strategic Trade Control (STC) framework, including policies governing the export of dual-use and sensitive goods, technologies, software, materials and equipment regulated under the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) framework.

NCSTC 2026 focused on strengthening awareness, compliance and coordination among government agencies, industry, academia, research institutions and international stakeholders, while ensuring that legitimate high-technology trade is facilitated without compromising national security and non-proliferation objectives.

Handbook on Strategic Trade Controls Released

During the inaugural session, the third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System was released. Prepared by DGFT in partnership with the Disarmament, International Security and Arms Control (D&ISA) Division of MEA, the handbook incorporates inputs from government departments and industry experts and provides practical guidance on India’s STC policies, procedures and compliance requirements.

The session was attended by senior officials including Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal, CBIC Chairman Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Joint Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Amit Satija, DGFT Shri Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary (D&ISA), MEA Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, and Additional DGFT Shri Rakesh Kumar.

Deep Dive into SCOMET, Compliance and Emerging Technologies

The conference featured seven thematic sessions covering:

• India’s Strategic Trade Control system and SCOMET licensing framework

• Enforcement mechanisms and regulatory coordination

• Compliance and supply chain security, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme

• Intangible Technology Transfer (ITT) risks and controls

• Compliance challenges for academia and research institutions

Sector-specific discussions focused on chemicals and biotechnology, electronics and semiconductors, information technology, aerospace and space, and defence exports and munitions-related controls.

Addressing Frontier and Dual-Use Technologies

NCSTC 2026 also examined emerging and frontier technologies—including quantum-related items, advanced computing, semiconductors, additive manufacturing, aerospace technologies and cyber security—in light of recent updates to India’s SCOMET List and evolving global non-proliferation norms.

Industry Engagement and International Participation

Alongside policy discussions, industry-led technology display booths showcased emerging technologies, compliance solutions and secure supply-chain practices, fostering interaction between policymakers, regulators, technology developers and exporters.

The conference drew participation from over 500 stakeholders, including government officials, exporters, compliance professionals, industry representatives, academia, research institutions and international participants.

Balancing Security and Trade

NCSTC 2026 reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining a robust, transparent and internationally aligned Strategic Trade Control framework—one that effectively addresses proliferation risks while supporting India’s growing role in global high-technology trade and advanced manufacturing.