DPI Deep Dive — Wednesday | March 18, 2026

Focus Layer: L3 Documents & Data Exchange (DigiLocker, API Setu, eSign)
Coverage Period: March 11-18, 2026

Executive Summary

This week’s L3 layer developments showcase India’s expanding document and data exchange infrastructure. The Udyami Bharat Portal launch marks a significant expansion of EntityLocker for MSME verification, while API Setu continues to power cross-government data sharing. The IMF’s recognition of India’s DPI as a global benchmark underscores the strategic importance of these document exchange systems. With 24 countries now having MoUs for India Stack cooperation, the document verification layer is becoming a key export.

Key Developments

1. Udyami Bharat Portal Integrates EntityLocker for MSME Verification

The Ministry of MSME launched the Udyami Bharat Portal, a one-stop digital platform for MSMEs, integrated with EntityLocker and DigiLocker for secure verification. Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, launched the portal at the National MSME Council Meeting in New Delhi. The integration enables seamless digital services for MSME login and registration, representing a significant step in digitizing MSME verification processes.

EntityLocker provides secure organisational verification, while Meri Pehchaan (NSSO) enables trusted individual authentication. This marks a new phase for DigiLocker’s expansion beyond individual documents to organisational credentials. ¹²

2. IMF Recognises India’s DPI as Global Benchmark

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly acknowledged India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as a leading example of population-scale digital systems. This recognition validates India’s approach of building interoperable digital rails that connect identity, payments, and data exchange. The IMF statement emphasises that the stack functions as a public good, powering governance, economic activity, and welfare delivery. ³

3. API Setu Policy Session at C-DAC

A technical session on “Policy on Open API for e-Governance Applications in India” was organised by C-DAC from March 9-10, 2026. The session highlighted how Open APIs enable government systems to connect and share data securely. API Setu, initiated by MeitY in March 2020, provides consent-based access to APIs for various use cases including KYC, paperless admission processes, and employment verification. ⁴

4. Digital Personal Data Protection Training in Rajasthan

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) organised a Training Programme on the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in Jaipur for DoIT&C officials of the Government of Rajasthan on March 11, 2026. This training reflects the growing importance of data protection in the document exchange ecosystem, ensuring state-level implementation aligns with national standards. ⁵

5. India Stack Global Expansion: 24 Countries Sign MoUs

As of February 2026, the Government of India has signed Memoranda of Understanding and agreements with 24 countries for cooperation on India Stack. This includes platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker. The expansion positions India’s document and data exchange infrastructure as a model for digital public goods internationally. ⁶

6. DigiLocker Expands AYUSH Certificate Verification in Andhra Pradesh

DigiLocker announced the digitization of AYUSH certificates in Andhra Pradesh. The Department of AYUSH certificates are now available through DigiLocker, enabling citizens to access and share verified traditional medicine certifications digitally. This expansion adds to DigiLocker’s growing repository of government-issued documents. ⁷

Cross-Layer Connections

The L3 Documents & Data Exchange layer maintains critical relationships with other DPI layers:

• L1 Identity & Authentication: DigiLocker leverages Aadhaar for identity verification, enabling secure document access. The eKYC capabilities allow seamless verification without physical document submission.

• L2 Payments & Financial Rails: Document verification through EntityLocker and DigiLocker enables financial services for MSMEs, supporting credit assessment and DBT payments.

• L4 Commerce & Logistics: The Udyami Bharat Portal integration demonstrates how document verification supports ONDC and MSME commerce ecosystems.

• L5 Sectoral Infrastructure: ABHA (health IDs) and educational credentials increasingly flow through DigiLocker for verification.

• L7 Security & Privacy: The DPDP Act training ensures document exchange complies with data protection requirements.

Sources