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 and industry stakeholders, organised the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 in New Delhi. The conference served as a national platform to deliberate on India’s Strategic Trade Control (STC) framework, particularly policies and procedures governing exports of dual-use and sensitive goods, technologies, software, materials and equipment regulated under the SCOMET regime. The event focused on strengthening awareness, compliance and coordination among government agencies, industry, academia, research institutions and international partners, while enabling legitimate high-technology trade and mitigating proliferation risks. During the inaugural session, DGFT released the third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System. Prepared jointly with MEA’s Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, the handbook offers comprehensive guidance on India’s export control policies, procedures and regulatory compliance requirements under SCOMET. The session was attended by senior officials including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi, DGFT Director General Lav Agarwal, MEA Joint Secretary Muanpuii Saiawi, Defence Production Joint Secretary Amit Satija and Additional DGFT Rakesh Kumar. NCSTC 2026 featured seven thematic sessions addressing India’s STC ecosystem and SCOMET policies, including licensing processes, enforcement mechanisms, compliance frameworks and supply chain security. Discussions covered the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Intangible Technology Transfers (ITT), alongside sector-specific deliberations on electronics, semiconductors, chemicals, biotechnology, aerospace, space technologies and defence exports. Special focus was placed on emerging and frontier technologies such as quantum-related items, advanced computing, semiconductor technologies, additive manufacturing, aerospace systems and cyber security, aligned with recent updates to India’s SCOMET List. Industry-led technology display booths showcased secure supply chain practices, compliance solutions and advanced innovations, encouraging engagement between regulators, exporters, policymakers and technology developers. The conference witnessed participation from more than 500 stakeholders from India and overseas, including government representatives, exporters, compliance professionals, research institutions and industry leaders. NCSTC 2026 reinforced the importance of maintaining a robust and transparent strategic trade control framework that balances national security and non-proliferation priorities with the facilitation of legitimate trade in advanced technologies.