India on global 6G standard-setting table for the first time: Jyotiraditya Scindia
New Delhi, February 27
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday highlighted India's rapid 5G expansion, adding that the country recorded the fastest 5G rollout globally and is now sitting at the global 6G standard-setting table for the first time.
Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, he emphasised that India has transitioned from a technology adopter to a key architect in shaping the future of global telecommunications.
"On 6G, the Prime Minister set the goal. The Bharat 6G Alliance, which is a group of companies across the entire value chain, has grown from 15 members to over 100," Scindia said. He added that India has forged partnerships with similar 6G alliances in 30 countries. "India is on that standard-setting table for the first time. We are on that table as 6G gets rolled out," he said.
Highlighting India's rapid 5G expansion, Scindia noted that the country recorded the fastest 5G rollout globally. "India had the fastest rollout of 5G in the world -- we did it in 22 months. We have 99.9 per cent of districts connected with 5G. Forty crore people have already transitioned to 5G," he said, calling it a testament to coordinated policy and industry execution.
The minister also addressed the government's push for SIM binding, describing it as a necessary safeguard in an increasingly digital ecosystem. He said linking SIM cards to verified devices strengthens security, curbs fraud, and prevents misuse in cases involving cybercrime and financial scams.
According to Scindia, as India deepens its digital penetration and prepares for 6G, ensuring trust and user protection will remain central to telecom reforms.
India has officially pivoted from a passive observer to a primary stakeholder in the global telecommunications landscape. For the first time, the nation is working directly with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP to define the technical DNA of 6G technology.
India's vision for 6G is built on inclusivity. A landmark research paper proposing "Ubiquitous Connectivity"--a protocol designed to ensure seamless, dead-zone-free network access for every global citizen--has been formally accepted into the international 6G standard-setting framework.
Since its inception in 2023, the Bharat 6G Alliance has transformed into a high-octane innovation engine and has grown from 15 to over 100 stakeholders, including elite IITs, agile startups, and telecom giants.
India is aggressively targeting a 10% share of all global 6G patents, marking a significant leap in indigenous R&D. India is not building in a vacuum. It has successfully established 6G research corridors with platforms in over 30 countries, creating a collaborative bridge between the US, UK, Brazil, and emerging markets across Africa.
Parallel to these hardware and software leaps, the Ministry is prioritising user safety through advanced cybersecurity mandates. To combat the rise in digital fraud, a new mandate requires SIM-to-app binding for major messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.
This ensures that accounts are tethered to verified hardware, making it significantly harder for scammers to operate anonymous or hijacked accounts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Fastest 5G rollout is impressive, no doubt. But before we celebrate 6G, can we please get stable 5G in my area? The speeds fluctuate wildly. Focus on perfecting the current network's coverage and reliability, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
"Ubiquitous Connectivity" – now that's a goal worth pursuing! If India can lead on making 6G truly inclusive and bridge the digital divide globally, it will be our biggest contribution. Jai Hind! The partnerships with 30 countries are a smart move.
As someone working in tech, the shift from adopter to architect is the key takeaway. Setting standards means our companies and startups can innovate on a level playing field. The 10% global patent target is ambitious but necessary for long-term gains.
SIM and app binding is a double-edged sword. Yes, it will curb fraud, which is a huge problem. But what about privacy? Hope there are strong data protection laws in place alongside these security mandates. We need both safety and freedom.
Including IITs and startups in the alliance is brilliant. Our young engineers and entrepreneurs have the talent to shape 6G. This is how we build an Atmanirbhar Bharat in technology. The future looks bright! ✨
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.