Sunil Mittal, the Chairman of Airtel, emphasized the company’s commitment to building a strong India by highlighting its focus on innovation at the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA).

New Delhi [India], October 15: Sunil Bharati Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, emphasized Airtel's evolution as a multinational telecommunications provider during the 8th edition of the ITU-WTSA. He noted the company's commitment to innovation and social responsibility, highlighting its launch of India’s first anti-spam network, and reaffirmed Airtel's dedication to contributing to a powerful India.

Mittal described Airtel as a foundational element of India's telecom development, evolving from the 2G era to the current digital landscape. The introduction of the anti-spam network is aimed at blocking billions of scam calls and fraudulent messages, thus enhancing customer security.

He also highlighted Airtel's collaboration with the telecom industry and the Department of Telecom to ensure users can access their services safely. Mittal expressed that Airtel is committed to aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a strong and empowered India and intends to play a significant role in this transformation.

During his address, Mittal remarked, "Airtel has been at the forefront of India's telecom revolution, standing the test of time as it transitioned from 2G to today's digital era." He praised the anti-spam initiative for blocking billions of unwanted calls and messages, which he said helps secure the lives of customers.

"We are now collaborating with the industry and the Department of Telecom to ensure that our users are safe and secure while enjoying these services. Prime Minister, Airtel is dedicated to contributing to your vision of building a powerful India," Mittal stated.

He further noted that India has transitioned from losing its manufacturing edge over the past two to three decades to becoming a significant global manufacturing center, thanks to initiatives like the Productivity-Linked Incentive (PLI) program and stringent standards for trusted sources and products.

Mittal explained, "India had fallen behind in manufacturing to China and other regions. However, the call to action has led to India becoming a key manufacturing hub, supported by a robust productivity-linked incentive program and the implementation of a rigorous process for trusted sources and products."

He added, "Today, everything that enters this country is scrutinized by the National Security Council on Telecom. Each source and product related to India’s network undergoes a stringent evaluation to ensure trusted networks and products. This is a critical development that other countries should adopt swiftly."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8th edition of the International Telecommunication Union - World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister toured the exhibition at the venue with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. This marks the first time that the ITU-WTSA is hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region.

The event will facilitate interactions among industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from over 190 countries, attracting more than 3,000 participants from the telecom, digital, and ICT sectors.

The ITU-WTSA will also host discussions on standards for emerging technologies, including 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, and cybersecurity. The Prime Minister's Office stated that hosting this event in India provides an opportunity for the country to significantly influence the global telecom agenda and shape the future of technology. Indian startups and research institutions are expected to gain valuable insights into developing Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Essential Patents.

The India Mobile Congress 2024 will highlight the telecom ecosystem, showcasing advancements in quantum technology, circular economy, 6G, 5G use cases, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technology, satellite communications, and electronics manufacturing.

The IMC is Asia's largest digital technology forum, recognized globally for presenting innovative solutions, services, and advanced use cases for various stakeholders in the technology and telecom landscape.

The IMC will feature over 400 exhibitors and 900 startups, with participation from more than 120 countries. The event aims to showcase over 900 technology use cases, host more than 100 sessions, and facilitate discussions featuring over 600 global and Indian speakers.