All Things Policy When Geopolitics Pulls the Plug on Technology
Sep 4, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Arindam Goswami from the Takshashila Institution explores how geopolitics influences technology decisions. He highlights a U.S. company that halted services to an Indian oil refiner due to EU sanctions. The conversation dives into historical lessons of tech denial, emphasizing tech sovereignty in critical sectors. Goswami argues for a balance between collaboration in areas like climate tech and self-reliance in military technology. The costs of compliance and trust issues in evolving global standards also take center stage.
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Sanctions Cut Off Paid Services
- Microsoft blocked Nayara Energy's paid services after EU sanctions tied to its Russian stake.
- Nayara went to Delhi High Court and Microsoft restored services while consulting the EU.
Tech Denial Is Not New
- Technology denial regimes have long been used to shape national capabilities and behavior.
- Historical examples include the NPT, NSG and MTCR restricting nuclear and missile technologies.
Grade Sovereignty By Sector Criticality
- Prioritize sovereignty by sector criticality rather than blanket self-reliance mandates.
- Protect core areas like military AI and finance more, while allowing collaboration in healthcare and consumer tech.