29. Open-Source Public Infrastructure: India’s Role in Global Digital Public Goods

Structural Mechanics

India has emerged as a primary contributor of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) to developing countries, offering its open-source "India Stack" architecture to countries in the Global South. Through platforms like MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform), other nations can deploy customized, secure digital identity systems modeled on Aadhaar. This global export strategy leverages open APIs, microservices-based architectures, and standardized data exchange protocols to build digital sovereign capabilities.

Data-Driven Metrics

• MOSIP Deployment: Over 10 countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America have adopted MOSIP as their foundational digital identity platform, registering millions of citizens.
• Software Portability: DPG software stacks are built using modular, open-source codebases, avoiding vendor lock-in and high licensing costs.
• Global Support: The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with technical institutions, provides funding and engineering support to partner nations for localizing these systems.

Strategic Vector

India should establish an international DPG center of excellence to train foreign technical teams on managing, scaling, and securing open-source public infrastructures.