"India is focused on connecting the world by resolving conflicts," says PM Modi at the India Mobile Congress.
New Delhi (India), October 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasized significant advancements in the telecom sector, stating that India is now one of the most dynamic countries in the world regarding telecom and related technologies. He remarked that India is committed to connecting the world by resolving conflicts.
"Today, India stands out as one of the most vibrant countries globally in telecom and related technology. 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. Digital connectivity serves as an effective tool for last-mile delivery, and discussions on the status and future of global telecommunications will also facilitate global good," said PM Modi while addressing the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA).
Highlighting India's role in fostering global connections and mitigating existing conflicts, the Prime Minister stated, "The WTSA aims to empower the world through consensus, while the India Mobile Congress focuses on empowering the world through connectivity. This means that consensus and connectivity are intertwined at this event, which is crucial for today’s conflict-ridden world. India has embraced the timeless message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam for thousands of years. During our G20 presidency, we conveyed the message of one earth, one family, one future. India is dedicated to connecting the world and moving it away from conflict."
PM Modi expressed that the collaboration between WTSA and IMC is inspirational. "When local and vocal initiatives unite, the world benefits, which is our objective. India's telecom journey has become a case study for the entire world. We have transformed telecom into not just a means of connectivity but also a means of achieving equity and creating opportunities. This transformation is helping to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as between rural and urban areas."
He explained that when the vision for Digital India was introduced, it was emphasized that a comprehensive approach would lead the way. "We identified four pillars of Digital India: first, making devices affordable; second, ensuring digital connectivity reaches every corner; third, making data accessible to all; and fourth, prioritizing a digital-first approach. We worked on all four areas simultaneously and achieved significant results. Mobile phones would not have become more affordable without domestic manufacturing."
Discussing India's accomplishments in mobile manufacturing, PM Modi noted, "In 2014, there were only two mobile manufacturing units in India, whereas today there are over 200. Previously, we relied heavily on importing phones; now, we manufacture six times more mobile phones in India than before. We are recognized as a mobile exporting nation, and we are not stopping there; we are focused on providing fully Made-in-India phones to the world, from chips to finished products. We are also investing significantly in semiconductor production in India."
The Prime Minister highlighted that India has become the second-largest 5G market in the world.
"In just ten years, India has laid optical fiber eight times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. For instance, we launched 5G at the Mobile Congress just two years ago, and today nearly every district in India is connected to 5G services. Today, India is the second-largest 5G market globally, and we are rapidly progressing towards 6G technology," he added.
PM Modi stressed the need for a global framework for digital technology and guidelines, stating that the time has come for global institutions to recognize its importance for governance. "We must establish dos and don'ts for technology on a global scale. All digital tools and applications currently available transcend borders, meaning no country can protect its citizens from cyber threats independently. We must collaborate. Global institutions must step forward and take responsibility. Just as we have developed a global regulatory framework for the aviation sector, the digital world requires a similar framework. India's Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy reflect our commitment to building a safe digital ecosystem," he stated.