Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 on Thursday, unveiling an ambitious 10-year vision for India to transition from a major telecom market to a global technology developer and hub. Scindia emphasized that the next decade must focus on taking India's technological momentum beyond its borders, building on significant domestic capabilities developed over the past ten years.
Building on a Decade of Digital Growth
Over the last decade, India has cultivated substantial capabilities across telecommunications, digital connectivity, technology manufacturing, and next-generation networks. Scindia highlighted the dramatic expansion of India’s broadband ecosystem, with subscriber numbers soaring from approximately 60 million to over 1.1 billion. This growth has established India as one of the world's most affordable data markets, demonstrating a robust foundation for future technological advancements.
Innovation and Manufacturing Prowess
A key pillar of India's global technology ambition is its burgeoning research and intellectual property base. The Bharat 6G Alliance, a collaborative effort involving 90 institutions and international partners, has already secured an impressive 7,700 patents, with 4,400 of these being international. This extensive patent portfolio underscores India's commitment to leading in next-generation communications technology.
Furthermore, the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) program has significantly bolstered domestic mobile manufacturing. Within just 22 months, India has emerged as one of the top four producers of technology equipment globally, showcasing its growing industrial strength and capacity for high-tech production.
Expanding Digital Inclusion and Global Influence
Digital inclusion remains a core tenet of India's technology strategy. The USD 15 billion BharatNet program is actively working to extend middle-mile connectivity to nearly 2.6 lakh gram panchayats and provide on-demand connectivity to an additional 3.8 lakh villages. This initiative, part of the broader Digital India mission, aims to democratize technology and ensure its benefits reach all citizens and communities.
Beyond domestic development, India is actively seeking a larger role in global telecommunications governance. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council has accepted India's proposal to host the prestigious Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030, following its successful hosting of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly in 2024. These engagements reflect India's broader strategy to integrate its domestic digital market, manufacturing capabilities, innovation, and international partnerships to solidify its position as a global technology and telecom leader.
“We have the manpower, mobility and mindset to take this momentum beyond boundaries. The first decade brought the world to India. The next decade must take India to the world,” Scindia stated, encapsulating the essence of this forward-looking strategy.