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In a momentous gathering that put India in the global digital spotlight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) during the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (ITU-WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. For the first time ever, this prestigious ITU event, which serves as the governing platform for digital standardisation, was hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific. With over 3,000 participants from 190 countries, including telecom and technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the summit celebrated India’s transformation into a digital powerhouse.
A tribute to PM Modi’s digital leadership
Industry leaders lauded PM Modi for steering India’s technological revolution and redefining its digital landscape. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, highlighted the Prime Minister’s pivotal role in positioning the India Mobile Congress as a hub for global innovation. “In his third term, Modi ji has transformed India from struggling with 2G speeds to becoming the world’s largest data market,” Ambani noted.
He emphasised how India’s leap from 155th to one of the top broadband adopters globally exemplifies the synergy between government policy and industry efforts. Praising Modi’s initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts, which connected over 530 million unbanked Indians—many of whom are women—Ambani said, “Technology under Modi ji’s leadership is now accessible to all, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Ambani also stressed the importance of AI in building a developed India by 2047 and urged for updates to the national data center policy. “Keeping Indian data within the country will foster a robust AI ecosystem,” he proposed.
Sunil Bharti Mittal: “Digital India ignited the 4G Revolution”
Shri Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, reflected on India’s telecom evolution, crediting PM Modi’s 2014 ‘Digital India’ vision as the turning point. “The real transformation began in 2014 with the launch of the 4G revolution, empowering millions, including those in rural India, to access smartphones and digital services,” Mittal said.
Mittal further underscored the government’s focus on boosting local manufacturing through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program. “India is well on its way to becoming a telecom manufacturing hub, reducing dependency on imports,” he added.
Looking ahead, Mittal announced that India is set to lead the 5G revolution, with extensive rollouts planned for urban and rural areas over the next 12 to 18 months. He also highlighted the potential of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks to bridge the digital divide. “These networks will bring high-speed internet to the most challenging terrains, ensuring no Indian is left behind,” he said.
Kumar Mangalam Birla: Empowering MSMEs with digital connectivity
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, applauded the government’s ongoing efforts to expand digital infrastructure. “The government’s commitment to digital connectivity has laid the foundation for a more connected and empowered India,” Birla said.
Birla also emphasised the importance of supporting MSMEs in India’s digital journey. Referring to the Prime Minister’s remark that MSMEs mean “maximum support to small enterprises,” he reiterated the group’s commitment to promoting digital transformation for small businesses. “With 5G, IoT, AI, and cloud services, we can create a thriving ecosystem that empowers MSMEs to drive economic growth,” he said.
Birla also celebrated India’s remarkable achievement of conducting 10 crore telemedicine consultations and praised efforts to combat spam and fraud in the telecom sector. “The Prime Minister’s bold digital vision gives us confidence that, with continued support, we will realise India’s digital destiny,” he concluded.
Global recognition of India’s digital leadership
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, commended India’s leadership at the summit. “This event is a powerful symbol of the deep ties between ITU and India,” she said, recalling her earlier conversations with PM Modi during the inauguration of the ITU Area Office and Innovation Center.
She highlighted India’s achievements under its G20 Presidency, where digital public infrastructure (DPI) was prioritised and shared as a model for the world. “Standards build trust, and India’s UPI system is a prime example of how scalable digital infrastructure can provide life-changing services,” she said.
Bogdan-Martin stressed the need for ethical AI development and urged the global community to align technology with inclusion. “Trust fosters inclusion, and inclusion unlocks the potential of emerging technologies,” she remarked, calling for collective global action to enhance digital governance.
Shaping the future: 5G, AI, and digital inclusion
With India at the forefront of digital transformation, the leaders agreed that the ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress reflect the country’s commitment to innovation. The event not only showcases India’s achievements but also sets the stage for the next wave of technological progress, including 5G, AI, and satellite networks.
“India’s journey from 2G to 5G reflects a future-driven mindset,” PM Modi said during the inauguration. “We aim not just to keep pace with global advancements but to set new standards for digital innovation.”
The ITU-WTSA 2024 serves as a collaborative platform to define global standards for telecommunications and promote digital inclusion across borders. Over the next 10 days, experts will discuss how international standards can bolster digital governance and ensure that technology benefits everyone—including the third of the world’s population still offline.
The ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress marked a milestone in India’s digital journey, reinforcing its position as a global leader in telecom and digital innovation. With the strong backing of industry giants and international recognition, India is poised to lead the world toward a digitally inclusive future.
As the summit unfolds over the coming days, India’s vision for a connected world will be shaped by bold ideas and collaborative actions, ensuring that the promise of digital technology is realised for every individual, everywhere.
