Techno-Nationalism A political ideology that ties a country’s technological advancement to its geopolitical standing (Capri, 2019), techno-nationalism emerged as a central theme. In South Asia, political elites increasingly equate national strength with technological capabilities, whether through the development of DPI, investment in AI research, or dominance in hardware manufacturing and supply chains. Justifications based on national security, resistance to influence from the Global North, and concerns over foreign intervention have further reinforced this ideology, blending ambitions for economic and technological growth with mechanisms of state control. This perspective has become deeply embedded in state policy, influencing how governments regulate and promote technological innovation. As a result, governments strive for digital sovereignty, using technology governance to mold online ecosystems in ways that align with political priorities. This concentration of control not only limits digital freedoms but also extends state influence into traditionally protected offline spaces. 20