Telecom Transformation: PM Modi Positions India as a Global Leader

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized significant developments in the telecom sector on Tuesday, stating that India is now one of the most vibrant countries in the world regarding telecom and related technologies. He remarked that India is dedicated to connecting the world and moving it away from conflict.

“Today, India stands out as a leading player in the global telecom landscape, with 1.2 billion mobile phone users and 950 million internet users. More than 40% of the world’s real-time digital transactions occur here, making digital connectivity a powerful tool for last-mile delivery. The discussions on the status and future of global telecommunications will foster global good,” Modi said while addressing the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly.

He highlighted India’s commitment to global connectivity and conflict reduction, stating, “The WTSA promotes empowerment through consensus, while the India Mobile Congress (IMC) focuses on connectivity. This synergy between consensus and connectivity is crucial in today’s conflict-ridden world. For thousands of years, India has embodied the timeless message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ During our G20 leadership, we promoted the vision of one earth, one family, one future. India is dedicated to connecting the world and fostering peace.”

Modi praised the collaboration between WTSA and IMC, noting, “When local and vocal initiatives unite, the world benefits. India’s telecom journey has become a case study globally. We have transformed telecom into a means of achieving equity and creating opportunities, bridging gaps between the rich and the poor, and between urban and rural areas.”

Reflecting on the vision of Digital India, he stated, “We adopted a holistic approach with four key pillars: reducing device costs, ensuring digital connectivity reaches every corner, making data accessible to all, and prioritizing a digital-first mindset. We worked on these simultaneously and achieved significant results. Mobile prices would not have decreased if we hadn’t started manufacturing them domestically.”

Regarding mobile manufacturing, Modi noted, “In 2014, there were only two mobile manufacturing units in India; today, there are over 200. We used to import most of our phones, but now we manufacture six times more than before. India is recognized as a mobile exporter, and we are committed to producing completely Made-in-India phones, from chips to finished products. We are also making substantial investments in semiconductors.”

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s emergence as the second-largest 5G market globally, saying, “In just ten years, we have laid eight times the length of optical fiber compared to the distance from the Earth to the moon. For example, we launched 5G during the Mobile Congress two years ago, and today, almost every district in India is connected to 5G. We are rapidly advancing toward 6G technology.”

He stressed the need for a global framework for digital technology, asserting, “The time has come for global institutions to recognize the importance of digital governance. We need to establish guidelines for technology at the international level. Given the boundless nature of digital tools and applications, no nation can safeguard its citizens against cyber threats alone. Collaboration is essential. Just as we have developed global regulations for the aviation sector, the digital domain also requires a similar framework. India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy demonstrate our commitment to fostering a secure digital ecosystem.”