Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union-World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA 2024) and the 8th India Mobile Congress 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Delhi. The event marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time that ITU-WTSA is being held in the Asia-Pacific region, with India taking the lead in hosting.
The event is bringing together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts from 190+ countries, along with 400 exhibitors and 900 startups. During his speech, PM Modi shared his vision for India’s telecom sector, reflecting on how the nation is revolutionizing digital connectivity while making global strides in the tech world.
India’s Mission: Connecting the World through Technology
In his address, PM Modi reiterated that India has always focused on connecting the world and fostering progress. From ancient times with the Silk Route to modern technology routes, India has consistently been a bridge that connects different parts of the world.
“India’s focus is on quality services and high standards,” said PM Modi. He emphasized that the partnership between ITU-WTSA and India Mobile Congress is sending out a strong message of innovation and connectivity for global audiences. The event has successfully created a platform where telecom standards and services come together, paving the way for future growth.
From 5G to 6G: India’s Rapid Growth in Telecom Technology
PM Modi highlighted India’s impressive strides in the telecom industry, noting that the country has become the second-largest 5G market in the world just two years after launching 5G services. “India’s mobile and telecom journey in the 21st century is a case study for the world,” he said.
The country’s success story in 5G comes with significant infrastructure development. PM Modi shared an interesting fact that the length of optical fiber laid in India in the past decade is eight times the distance from Earth to the Moon. This infrastructure development has been key in bringing 5G connectivity to almost every district in the country.
Looking ahead, PM Modi revealed that India is already working on 6G technology, aiming to continue its leadership in the global telecom industry.
Democratizing Digital Technology: India’s Global Leadership
According to PM Modi, India’s approach to telecom has been different from other countries. While other nations saw telecom as a convenience, India has transformed it into a tool of equity and opportunity. He credited initiatives like the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and mobile) for creating millions of opportunities and said that UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has opened doors for several startups.
India’s democratization of digital technology has allowed millions of Indians to access world-class services, driving innovation and inclusivity. “We created digital platforms that became the foundation for new companies and startups to thrive,” he noted.
Empowering Women in Technology
A key focus of PM Modi’s speech was the growing role of women in India’s technology sector. He pointed out that 40% of the country’s STEM students are women, making India a leader in offering opportunities for women in tech. Initiatives like NaMo Drone Didi are also revolutionizing the agriculture sector, showcasing how technology is empowering women and boosting productivity.
Telecom Leadership: India’s Role on the Global Stage
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the ITU-WTSA is setting global telecom standards, and India is positioned as a telecom hub. Scindia credited the last decade for bringing transformative changes in India’s technology landscape, placing the country at the forefront of global telecom innovations.
Sunil Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, echoed this sentiment, stating that India’s digital revolution has left the world amazed. He reflected on Bharti Airtel’s journey in the telecom industry since 1993, adding that the true transformation began in 2014 when PM Modi recognized the need for India to realize its technological ambitions.
Mittal also noted that by 2016, smartphones had penetrated nearly every Indian household, laying the foundation for India’s rapid growth in the digital space.
Hosting ITU-WTSA in India: A New Era for Global Telecom
This is the first time that ITU-WTSA has been hosted in India, and the country’s role in shaping global telecom standards is more important than ever. The event is expected to give India an influential voice in setting future directions for the global telecom industry, further cementing its status as a rising tech superpower.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), ITU-WTSA is held every four years, and this is a significant opportunity for India to lead global conversations on telecom innovations.
