By S A H Rizvi
Chief of Bureau, New Delhi
The Times Kuwait
Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, Meshal Al Shemali, emphasized that the current global situation demands a strong focus on creating an improved business environment and identifying optimal strategies to diversify economic sectors and sources of income.
He highlighted how the substantial attendance from countries worldwide at the event underscores the growing global importance attached B to B exchanging ideas and information on local and international trade controls, combating price manipulation and commercial fraud, countering money laundering, and securing global supply chains.
Ambassador Al-Shemali represented Kuwait at the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026, a one-day national-level event held on January 15, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The conference cantered on India’s Strategic Trade Control (STC) framework, with an emphasis on policies, compliance, and international best practices for managing exports of dual-use and sensitive goods, technologies, software, materials, and equipment under the Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies (SCOMET) regime.
It sought to boost awareness, coordination, and compliance among government agencies, industry, academia, research institutions, and international stakeholders, while addressing proliferation risks and promoting legitimate high-tech trade.
Led by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), and supported by entities such as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Defence Production, DRDO, ISRO, and industry associations including FICCI, CII, NASSCOM, and EEPC India.
More than 500 delegates from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and international organizations atended the meet
The conference included seven thematic sessions led by speakers from the Government of India, international organizations, and sector-specific experts, complemented by panel discussions and interactive Q&A segments.
Topics spanned India’s STC system, SCOMET policy, licensing processes, enforcement mechanisms, compliance and supply chain security (including the Authorised Economic Operator program and Intangible Technology Transfer), and sector-specific insights into defence, aerospace, chemicals, biotechnology, electronics, IT, and emerging technologies like quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, and more.
Discussions also explored international best practices for balancing national security, non-proliferation, and trade facilitation, alongside challenges in defence exports and industry compliance.
