India’s Digital Trust Crisis: The Bedrock of Its Tech Ambition

India’s digital economy is expanding at a rapid pace, growing three to four times faster than its traditional counterpart, according to Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. Speaking at the COAI Dialogues 2025 in New Delhi, Gorman highlighted that the country has significantly expanded its addressable market for digital services, with the sector expected to contribute around 20% to India’s overall economy. This growth underscores India’s potential to become a global leader in the digital and mobile technology space.

Gorman emphasized that mobile technology is not just a vertical industry but a foundational pillar for the digital economy. This insight aligns with India’s broader ambitions to solidify its position as a telecommunications superpower, leveraging innovation at a population scale. The country’s unique demographic and digital infrastructure advantages are attracting global attention, as the digital ecosystem continues to evolve with increasing complexity and integration across sectors.

The COAI Dialogues 2025 brought together technology firms, telecommunications companies, regulators, and policymakers, reflecting a collaborative approach to shaping India’s digital future. Lt. Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, reaffirmed the country’s confidence in its telecom story and its commitment to working closely with international stakeholders like GSMA. The dialogue served as a platform for open and constructive discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the mobile and digital economy.

Cybersecurity emerged as a critical concern during the event, with Gorman warning of the increasing sophistication of scams, cyberattacks, and data breaches. He argued that such threats are not merely technical but pose risks to public trust and societal confidence in the digital realm. “A digital nation, no matter how advanced, cannot thrive without the bedrock of digital trust,” he stated, calling for a collaborative, urgent, and whole-of-society approach to building a safe and resilient digital ecosystem.

India’s rapid digital transformation creates a fertile ground for Web3 technologies and artificial intelligence to converge, particularly in a city like Delhi, which is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and digital governance. As the country continues to expand its digital footprint, ensuring security and trust will be as crucial as technological advancement. The collaboration between domestic and international stakeholders is seen as key to navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.