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India to Actively Shape Global Telecom Standards

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 1:51 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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New Delhi, February 27th, 2026 - India is no longer a passive recipient of global telecommunications standards; it is actively forging them. A clear strategic shift, championed by Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is positioning the nation as a key leader in the development of 6G technology and a burgeoning global hub for telecom innovation.

Speaking at a conference earlier this week, Vaishnaw boldly stated that India is moving beyond simply consuming standards set elsewhere, to actively creating them. This represents a significant departure from the past, where India often adopted technologies developed and standardized by nations like the United States, China, and parts of Europe. The commitment to shape these standards isn't merely about technological prestige; it's a deliberate move to ensure future telecom technologies align with the country's unique developmental needs and contribute meaningfully to global progress.

A 2030 Vision: Leading the 6G Revolution

The government's ambition is clear: to achieve 6G leadership by 2030. While 5G rollout continues across the nation - with significant progress made in rural connectivity over the past few years - India is already laying the groundwork for the next generation of wireless technology. This isn't a future aspiration; it's a focused, multi-pronged strategy.

Experts believe that 6G will be far more than just a speed upgrade from 5G. It's expected to integrate technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), terahertz communication, and advanced sensing capabilities. This will unlock new possibilities in areas like immersive extended reality (XR), digital twins, precision agriculture, and truly autonomous systems. By actively defining the standards for 6G, India can tailor these advancements to address its specific challenges and opportunities.

Indigenous Development & Collaboration: The Pillars of Progress

The core of India's strategy rests on two key pillars: indigenous development and robust collaboration. The government is heavily investing in research and development, fostering a climate of innovation within the country. This includes significant funding for academic institutions, research labs (like the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology), and private sector companies working on 6G technologies.

Collaboration isn't limited to domestic actors. The government is actively encouraging partnerships between industry, academia, and research institutions. This synergistic approach aims to accelerate the development process, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of all stakeholders. We've seen numerous joint projects emerge in the last two years focused on areas such as advanced antenna systems, spectrum management, and AI-powered network optimization.

Reducing Reliance and Building Self-Sufficiency

The push for telecom standards leadership is deeply intertwined with India's broader objective of reducing its dependence on foreign technologies. Historically, reliance on imported technologies has posed challenges in terms of cost, security, and strategic autonomy. By developing its own standards and fostering indigenous innovation, India aims to build a self-sufficient and resilient telecom ecosystem.

"This isn't just about technology; it's about national security and economic sovereignty," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading telecom analyst at the Observer Research Foundation. "Controlling the standards allows India to ensure that the technology meets its specific requirements and doesn't create vulnerabilities that could be exploited."

Global Implications & the Future of Telecom

India's rise as a telecom standards leader has significant implications for the global landscape. As one of the world's largest and fastest-growing mobile markets, India's input on 6G standards will carry substantial weight. This influence could shape the direction of 6G development worldwide, ensuring that the technology is accessible, affordable, and relevant to a wider range of users.

Furthermore, India's focus on applications tailored to its unique needs - such as solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and education in rural areas - could drive innovation that benefits developing nations globally. The country is actively working with international bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to incorporate these perspectives into the global standards development process.

The journey towards 6G leadership won't be without its challenges. Significant investment, sustained policy support, and a continued focus on talent development will be crucial. However, with its clear vision, strategic approach, and growing technological capabilities, India is well-positioned to become a dominant force in the future of telecommunications.