MeitY And DG CONNECT Sign Arrangement On Electronic Signatures

05 Feb 2026 CW Team

The arrangement provides a framework for cooperation on interoperability of electronic signatures, electronic seals and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems, consistent with the laws of India and the European Union. It aims to strengthen India–EU digital cooperation by promoting secure and trusted electronic signatures and seals in cross-border digital transactions and trade. The framework contemplates future deeper technical and regulatory engagement between recognised authorities on both sides.

Under the cooperation India and the European Union intend to link their respective trusted lists of recognised service providers to facilitate easier validation of electronic signatures and seals issued in either jurisdiction for cross-border use. Linking trusted lists will enable faster authentication and reduce reliance on paper or courier services for key commercial documents. Indian exporters and EU buyers will be able to sign contracts, invoices and compliance documents digitally using trusted electronic signatures accepted on both sides.

The arrangement is expected to reduce transaction time, cost and verification effort for cross-border trade, with particular benefit for micro, small and medium enterprises. It will increase trust and legal certainty in India–EU digital trade by enabling faster validation of documents and by providing clearer pathways for mutual recognition of service providers. The agreement lays a foundation for further cooperation that could extend to additional digital trust services over time.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India and the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) of the European Commission signed an Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals on 27 January 2026. The arrangement was executed by the Secretary of MeitY and the Director-General of DG CONNECT and will be implemented by MeitY through the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). The implementation will comply with India's legal and regulatory framework under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The arrangement provides a framework for cooperation on interoperability of electronic signatures, electronic seals and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems, consistent with the laws of India and the European Union. It aims to strengthen India–EU digital cooperation by promoting secure and trusted electronic signatures and seals in cross-border digital transactions and trade. The framework contemplates future deeper technical and regulatory engagement between recognised authorities on both sides. Under the cooperation India and the European Union intend to link their respective trusted lists of recognised service providers to facilitate easier validation of electronic signatures and seals issued in either jurisdiction for cross-border use. Linking trusted lists will enable faster authentication and reduce reliance on paper or courier services for key commercial documents. Indian exporters and EU buyers will be able to sign contracts, invoices and compliance documents digitally using trusted electronic signatures accepted on both sides. The arrangement is expected to reduce transaction time, cost and verification effort for cross-border trade, with particular benefit for micro, small and medium enterprises. It will increase trust and legal certainty in India–EU digital trade by enabling faster validation of documents and by providing clearer pathways for mutual recognition of service providers. The agreement lays a foundation for further cooperation that could extend to additional digital trust services over time.

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