What happened?
The Government of India has advanced its Bharat 6G Vision, released in March 2023, aiming to make India a global leader in 6G by 2030. Key initiatives include funding two testbeds—6G THz and Advanced Optical Communication—to promote R&D. It sanctioned 100 5G labs across academic institutions to build a 6G-ready ecosystem. Additionally, 111 research proposals have been approved to develop a robust 6G network aligned with international roadmaps for innovation and connectivity.
The government also established the Bharat 6G Alliance, bringing together industry, academia, and research institutions. India signed MoUs with global 6G alliances to strengthen international collaboration. It hosted the inaugural International 6G Symposium during WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress 2024, uniting experts to discuss 6G innovations. Furthermore, India contributed to the ITU’s IMT-2030 framework, ensuring inclusion of ‘ubiquitous connectivity’ and prioritizing capabilities like coverage, interoperability, and sustainability in defining global 6G standards.
Why it matters to India:
India’s aggressive push toward 6G enhances its tech sovereignty, innovation leadership, and digital diplomacy. By investing in academia and R&D, India is nurturing a future-ready talent pipeline and start-up ecosystem. Collaborating globally allows India to shape future telecom standards and align with international technology governance. With 6G expected to transform smart cities, healthcare, and industry, India’s leadership will directly support its digital economy ambitions and improve its competitiveness in emerging global technology landscapes.