Countries around the world are investing in their own semiconductor capabilities, AI models, and critical infrastructure. But building everything independently is neither practical nor always necessary. The challenge is to balance strategic sovereignty with international collaboration.

This was the focus of a panel titled 'New tech alliances: Why the world's startups need India, and India needs the world' at TechSparks 2026 in Bengaluru on October 15. The discussion explored how Indian startups could work with international technology ecosystems and how global partners could build stronger ties with India.

The panel featured Dr Angela Honegger, CEO and Consul General, Swissnex India (Switzerland); Jacobus Johannes 'Jaap' Veerman, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangalore; and Peter Winther-Schmidt of the Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore. The three representatives discussed programs that help startups access research, funding, markets, and partnerships across India and Europe.

“We have to avoid equating strategic sovereignty with technological independence,” Winther-Schmidt said.

While defence and security require a degree of sovereignty, he argued that areas such as talent, research, and technical interoperability benefit from international cooperation.

He cited the European Union’s digital identity wallet, which he said is being built on the Indian technology stack with support from India.

Veerman agreed that countries should identify what is critical to their own ecosystems while remaining open to partnerships.

“I don't believe in isolation,” he said, emphasising the importance of finding the right partners.

Honegger also stressed the need for cooperation. “If we want a fighting chance, we have to collaborate,” she said.

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