India is leading the charge in democratizing access to digital commerce through its groundbreaking Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) initiative. According to ONDC’s non-executive chairperson, RS Sharma, the platform is rapidly gaining traction, with nearly 0.5 million transactions occurring every day. Sharma, who assumed the role in September 2024, described ONDC as a transformative shift in the digital commerce landscape.
“We are doing about half a million transactions per day, and around 15 million transactions per month,” Sharma revealed. “ONDC is a transformational effort, creating a new paradigm for digital commerce. By making it protocol-based and unbundling the services, we’ve connected buyers and sellers on the same platform.”
Transforming Digital Commerce through Unbundling
Sharma explained that ONDC goes beyond just providing a marketplace. The platform has unbundled logistics from the sale of goods and services, enabling a more flexible and accessible ecosystem. “Everything that can be catalogued and transacted on the network is available. Initially, people didn’t understand the impact of Aadhaar or UPI, and ONDC is no different,” he said.
He emphasized that the vision behind ONDC is to create a more democratic and inclusive digital environment. Unlike monopolistic digital platforms like Google, WhatsApp, or Facebook, ONDC aims to break down entry barriers, making it easier for everyone to participate.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Sets Global Standard
Sharma also highlighted India’s leadership in the global push for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). “Today, DPI is a common term, and India is leading the way. We want to avoid systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or companies,” he added.
The ONDC initiative, which aims to level the playing field for both buyers and sellers, aligns with India’s broader vision of creating an accessible and frugal digital ecosystem. Sharma’s remarks reflect the growing recognition of India’s role in shaping the future of global digital commerce.
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