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 partners and industry stakeholders, organised the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 in New Delhi today.

The Conference provided a platform for discussions on India’s Strategic Trade Control (STC) framework, including policies and procedures governing the export of dual-use and sensitive goods, technologies, software, materials and equipment regulated under the SCOMET framework. It also enabled the exchange of international experiences and practices related to strategic trade controls. NCSTC 2026 focused on enhancing awareness, compliance and coordination among Government, industry, academia, research institutions and international stakeholders, while facilitating legitimate high-technology trade and addressing proliferation risks.

During the inaugural session, the third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System was released. The handbook has been prepared by DGFT in partnership with the D&ISA Division of MEA, with inputs from relevant Government departments and industry experts, and provides guidance on India’s strategic trade control policies and procedures. The session was attended by senior officials, including Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal; Chairman, CBIC Shri Vivek Chaturvedi; Director General, DGFT Shri Lav Agarwal; Joint Secretary (D&ISA), MEA Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi; Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production Shri Amit Satija; and Additional DGFT Shri Rakesh Kumar.

The Conference included seven thematic sessions covering the Strategic Trade Control system and SCOMET policy, including the licensing framework and enforcement mechanisms. Discussions also addressed compliance and supply chain security, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Intangible Technology Transfer (ITT). Other sessions focused on electronics, information technology, semiconductors and emerging technologies, as well as compliance aspects related to academia and research institutions. Sector-specific sessions were held on chemicals and biotechnology, aerospace and space, and defence exports and munitions-related controls.

Discussions during NCSTC 2026 also covered emerging and frontier technologies, including quantum-related items, advanced computing and semiconductors, additive manufacturing, aerospace technologies and cyber security, in the context of recent updates to India’s SCOMET List and non-proliferation considerations.

Alongside the conference sessions, industry-led technology display booths presented emerging technologies, compliance mechanisms and secure supply chain practices, enabling interaction among policymakers, regulators, technology developers and other stakeholders.

The Conference saw participation from over 500 stakeholders, including Government officials, industry representatives, exporters, compliance professionals, academia and research institutions, as well as participants from India and abroad.

NCSTC 2026 underscored the importance of maintaining an effective and transparent Strategic Trade Control framework, balancing national security and non-proliferation requirements with the facilitation of legitimate trade in advanced goods and technologies.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Garima Singh/ Ishita Biswas

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