India Unveils Ambitious 6G Vision, Aims Global Leadership by 2030

The Indian government is aggressively pushing forward with its 6G ambitions, aiming to position the country as a global leader in next-generation wireless technology by 2030. In line with this vision, multiple initiatives have been launched to accelerate research, development, and deployment of 6G networks across the country.

As part of its efforts, the government has funded two key testbeds—the 6G THz Testbed and Advanced Optical Communication Testbed—to boost domestic innovation in telecommunications. Additionally, 100 5G labs have been sanctioned across academic institutions in India for the fiscal year 2023-24. These labs will play a critical role in developing a 6G-ready ecosystem by fostering research and supporting startups in the sector.

To further accelerate the 6G ecosystem, 111 research proposals on 6G network technology have been approved, aligning with the global roadmap for next-generation wireless innovation.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

The government has also facilitated the establishment of the Bharat 6G Alliance, bringing together domestic industry players, academia, national research institutions, and standardization bodies. This alliance will develop a comprehensive action plan in line with the Bharat 6G Vision Document, which was released in March 2023.

To bolster international partnerships, India has signed MoUs with leading global 6G alliances, fostering collaborations for the development of advanced wireless technologies. Additionally, the country hosted the International 6G Symposium in conjunction with the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, providing a platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss global advancements in 6G.

India’s Contribution to Global 6G Standards

India has made a significant contribution to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) International Mobile Technology (IMT) 2030 framework, also known as 6G, by advocating for the inclusion of “Ubiquitous Connectivity” as a key usage scenario. Furthermore, India has played a role in shaping the core capabilities of 6G, emphasizing coverage, interoperability, and sustainability.

This information was shared by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

With these concerted efforts, India is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of 6G technology on the global stage.