India Stack: The Indian approach and experience

WHAT is the India Stack?

- By Ambassador Debnath Shaw

It is a collection of open Application Programming Interface (APIs) and Digital Public Goods forming India’s foundational digital infrastructure. Its components collectively enable various entities, including Governments, businesses and individuals to interact and conduct transactions digitally.The India Stack components like Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), DigiLocker (documents), e-Sign (digital signature), e-KYC (know your customer), DBT (direct benefit transfer), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (healthcare), etc, enable citizens, businesses and developers to avail of paperless, presence-less and cashless transactions and services.

The Indian approach

The India Stack is a framework that aims to accelerate India’s digital transformation and enhance financial inclusion. Although the name of the project bears the word India, the vision of India Stack is not limited to one country. It can be applied to any nation, developed or one that is developing or emerging.

The project was conceptualised early this century, and first implemented in 2009 through the Aadhaar unique identity programme. The India Stack is designed to provide a secure and interoperable platform for the delivery of various services to citizens, leveraging the power of technology and data.

How does the India Stack work?

The India Stack works through five layers.