The minister also announced that India’s first telecom manufacturing zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
“You are all familiar with SEZs…now the world will come to know about a TMZ – a dedicated ecosystem for the telecom sector, which includes data centers and chip manufacturers, where we are implementing a comprehensive plug-and-play system between the government of Madhya Pradesh and the government of India,” Scindia shared at the event launching the theme of India Mobile Congress 2026.
Scindia noted that when technology reaches each citizen, opportunities arise, and when opportunities are accessible to everyone, transformation becomes inevitable.
He emphasized that India is at that critical juncture today.
“Mobile phones are now in the hands of 1.33 billion people, and data costs have plummeted from Rs 287 per GB to about Rs 8 per GB. This is democratization…As we lay the groundwork for the next chapter, we must consider how Indian innovations, technologies, and ideas can transcend borders and reach the world,” Scindia articulated.
The minister emphasized that the outcomes of technology are most effective when they benefit every individual.
“Today, India possesses capabilities in the technologies we develop, the standards we set, and the solutions we provide to the global stage,” Scindia remarked.
He pointed out the remarkable speed of India’s telecom revolution, noting that 5G has been rolled out to nearly 50 crore individuals in just two and a half years.
“…in collaboration between the government and the industry, we accomplished this in a record period of two and a half years. With an investment of Rs 4,50,000 crore and nearly 5,00,000 towers constructed, 50 crore people are now connected. Our goal is to connect 100 crore people to 5G,” he stated.
The minister asserted that with 6G, India aims to merge the physical, digital, and intelligent realms into one cohesive ecosystem.
“Through the Bharat 6G Alliance and our efforts on global standards, India is positioning itself to contribute in unprecedented ways. Simultaneously, we are developing a robust manufacturing ecosystem through the PLI scheme and establishing the country’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior,” he advised.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandrasekhar Pemmasani highlighted that India launched indigenous 4G technology meeting close to 90 percent of international quality standards.
“Our ministry is now focusing on advancing this to the next level. With mobile connectivity established, we are now prioritizing the expansion of broadband accessibility throughout the country.
“BharatNet is being implemented as a mission, and initiatives like 5G FWA are our means to ensure high-speed internet availability across India,” Pemmasani explained.
He further stated that the government is committed to making the next decade of Digital India the next decade of Intelligent India—incorporating 6G, quantum communications, artificial intelligence, satellites, and emerging technologies.
Scindia also launched the theme ‘Scale Without Boundaries’ for the tenth edition of India Mobile Congress.
Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the upcoming IMC is anticipated to draw over 1.5 lakh attendees, feature more than 300 exhibitors and partners from 100+ countries, and showcase over 1,500 technology use cases.
This year’s IMC is positioned as Asia’s largest digital technology showcase and is set to occur from October 7-10, 2026, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi.
IMC 2026 will highlight innovations in connectivity (5G and 6G), Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Electronics Manufacturing, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Satellite Communications, DeepTech, CleanTech, Industry 4.0, and Enterprise Transformation, along with new emerging areas such as Smart Mobility, Stadium Experiences, Industrial Automation, and Transport Tech.
The event will unite governments, industry leaders, startups, investors, academia, and technology pioneers to expedite digital transformation and create trusted, scalable digital ecosystems, as per a release.
