Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 on October 8, highlighting India's significant strides in digital connectivity and infrastructure. During his address, PM Modi underscored the transformative power of mobile technology, positioning it as a cornerstone of the nation's 'Digital India' vision.
Modi noted that government policies over the past decade have been instrumental in making mobile technology more accessible to the average Indian citizen. This accessibility, he explained, was achieved through improvements in telecom infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and a substantial increase in domestic smartphone manufacturing, bolstering local production capabilities.
Addressing the Digital Divide and Governance
The Prime Minister emphasized how mobile phones have evolved beyond mere communication devices to become vital tools for good governance, helping bridge the digital divide and extend essential services to a broader population. This digital inclusion, he stated, has been central to India's developmental agenda.
“Over the past 10–12 years, the mobile phone has emerged not only as a means of modern communication, but also as an important tool for good governance. It has remained at the core of our Digital India vision,” PM Modi stated.
Call for a Global Cybercrime Framework
Despite the progress, PM Modi identified cybercrime and the proliferation of deepfakes as critical challenges facing India's digital ecosystem. Recognizing that these threats transcend national boundaries, he issued an urgent call for a comprehensive global framework to address them effectively.
“Cyber fraud and cybercrime do not respect borders. They have already crossed those boundaries,” Modi asserted, stressing the need for international cooperation. He urged governments, technology companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate in developing this essential framework.
Democratizing Content and Learning
Beyond governance and security, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the broader positive impacts of mobile technology and advanced connectivity. He highlighted their role in democratizing content creation and gaming, alongside fostering digital learning opportunities across the country.