CAIT and Nasscom Partner to Train Indian Traders in AI and Cybersecurity

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and IT industry body Nasscom signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to provide training to traders across India in key digital domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

The agreement was formalized under the structured programme titled "Tech Connect for Traders and MSMEs – Accelerating Digital Transformation". The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and IT.

During the event, Minister Prasada emphasized that the adoption of digital technologies is no longer an optional component for businesses, but rather a fundamental necessity in the current commercial landscape. He noted that the initiative is designed to help small traders effectively utilize technology, expand their business operations, tap into new market opportunities, and improve their competitive standing in the global marketplace.

Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament, also addressed the shift in the business environment. He stated that embracing digital platforms has become essential for traders as consumer behavior increasingly moves toward digital channels. According to Khandelwal, traders who do not adopt emerging technologies in a timely manner face the risk of falling behind in a competitive market.

The partnership aims to bridge the digital gap for traditional traders and MSMEs by equipping them with the technical skills required to navigate modern commerce safely and efficiently.

"The collaboration between CAIT and Nasscom marks a necessary step toward mainstreaming digital readiness for traditional traders and MSMEs across India. As consumer preferences shift rapidly toward digital channels, small businesses must adapt to survive and scale. Training programs focused on AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing will help mitigate operational risks and open up wider market access, ensuring that grassroots commerce remains competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes