On August 20, Vikas Kathuria, Professor at BML Munjal University (India), delivered a lecture at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) at the invitation of the International BRICS Competition Centre. The lecture was titled “Regulating Digital Markets: Balancing Competition and Innovation in India.” The event was attended by HSE students and staff and was moderated by the Director of the BRICS Centre Alexey Ivanov.
Professor Kathuria emphasized that digitalization has transformed the Indian market, simultaneously creating new opportunities and challenges. Over the past decade, India has become home to a wide range of successful digital platforms—from e-commerce giants to fintech startups—highlighting the dynamic growth of this sector. However, the rapid expansion of digital ecosystems has also led to increased market concentration, where dominant players gain disproportionate advantages, creating entry barriers for newcomers.
The speaker drew attention to the unique challenges of regulation: rules designed for traditional industries often prove ineffective when applied to digital platforms. He stressed the importance of preventing abuses in data usage by platforms and ensuring interoperability between them. Professor Kathuria shared insights into India’s regulatory experience in the areas of payment services and digital content, noting that the thoughtful application of flexible antitrust tools can positively shape the trajectory of digital market development.
The topic of innovation was also addressed: how to ensure that regulation does not stifle the innovative potential of startups or hinder the development of new services. Concluding his lecture, Professor Kathuria underlined the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach — involving government bodies, the private sector, academia, and end users. He noted that a sustainable balance between competition and innovation is only possible through open dialogue among all participants in the digital ecosystem and the joint development of transparent, flexible, and fair mechanisms for regulating digital markets.