The Indian government recently approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Antigua and Barbuda to share digital solutions.

The MoU aims to foster cooperation and exchange of experiences in digital technologies-based solutions, including India Stack.

According to Dr KJ Srinivasa, the former Indian High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the MoU will help the twin-island state create innovative public goods infrastructure and enable efficient systems for government services.

Dr Srinivasa also believes that the MoU will create new opportunities for economic growth on the island and pave the way for rapid digitization.

The partnership will create an innovative and robust system for developers, start-ups, and people who integrate these systems, especially the IT systems and public infrastructure.

The MoU will take effect on 13 June 2023 and remain in force for at least three years. India Stack, a set of open APIs and digital public goods, aims to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at a population scale.

This project can be applied to any nation, including developed and emerging countries.

One area of India Stack that Antigua and Barbuda may find interesting is its digital payment system. In India, credit cards are no longer used; instead, a QR code and online transfer are used, streamlining the economy and increasing government revenue.

Dr Srinivasa explained that the financial and personal data used to authenticate transfers is done through multiple levels of security through internationally acclaimed level of data protection, and the India Stack platform has noted only small breaches.

Dr Srinivasa also suggested that the government of Antigua and Barbuda could explore getting experts to create a training programme for India Stack.

He noted that several countries, including France, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have used and been interested in the platform.

The collaboration between the two nations would also involve exchanging best practices and experts in digital solutions.

Dr Srinivasa said that any collaboration extension depends on both sides’ progress and willingness.

He added that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda would need to put forward their proposals to the High Commission in Guyana, which would collaborate with the Ministry in India to expedite the process.