India-EU Free Trade Agreement To Boost Investments, Jobs And Strategic Cooperation With Finland

India and Finland are witnessing a significant strengthening of their bilateral relationship, with Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen emphasising the transformative potential of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

She stated that the agreement would bring substantial benefits in terms of investments, trade intensification, and job creation across both sides.

The India-EU FTA, concluded in January 2026, eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods, and automobiles. The formal signing of the agreement is expected in December 2026, marking a milestone in India’s expanding economic diplomacy.

Valtonen highlighted that Finland would actively push for the swift implementation of the FTA within the European Union. She noted that the pact holds immense promise for businesses, prosperity for citizens, and political cooperation.

She described Finland and India as having a “special friendship” rooted in shared values of freedom and choice, underscoring the importance of closer collaboration between nations that uphold democratic principles.

The Finnish Minister recalled discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to Finland in June, where both sides reviewed progress under the India-Finland Strategic Partnership. She stressed that the relationship between the two countries has never been stronger and that there is vast potential to deepen cooperation further.

She pointed to opportunities in trade, investment, digitalisation, the green transition, security, space, and ground breaking technologies. According to her, the FTA provides the foundation for this cooperation and has been extremely well received, offering a strong basis for future collaboration.

Valtonen also reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to supporting India’s climate goals. Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and is willing to assist India in its own pursuit of climate neutrality. She explained that clean energy is not only vital for the planet but also represents an attractive business case, benefiting both people and industries.

During Jaishankar’s visit, both nations discussed expanding cooperation in emerging technology sectors such as start-ups, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, quantum technologies, 6G, clean energy, and space. These areas are expected to form the backbone of the next phase of India-Finland collaboration.

The India-EU FTA is therefore seen as a catalyst for intensifying trade, boosting investments, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for deeper strategic cooperation. Finland’s proactive stance reflects the growing synergy between New Delhi and Helsinki, as both nations align on economic, technological, and environmental priorities.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

PM Modi Engages With Qualcomm CEO On AI And 6G Horizons At India AI Impact Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

The encounter took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, 20 February 2026, underscoring India's deepening ties with global technology leaders.

This discussion followed Amon's keynote address at the summit, where he elaborated on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping mobile devices. He emphasised that AI would fundamentally alter perceptions of smartphones, positioning them as indispensable tools in an evolving technological landscape.

Amon highlighted Qualcomm's pioneering efforts in developing hardware and software tailored for AI integration across diverse devices. From low-power chips consuming under 2 milliwatts for smart earbuds to high-capacity 2000-watt processors for data centres, the company spans the spectrum of AI-enabled innovation.

He foresaw a revolution in industrial robotics, which would redefine the role of mobile devices in everyday life. Smartphones, already viewed as inseparable companions, would evolve further amid these advancements, he noted.

Turning to India specifically, Amon praised the nation as an emerging global manufacturing hub with immense opportunities. This aligns with India's push towards self-reliance in technology production, particularly in semiconductors and AI hardware.

On telecommunications, Amon described the sector as on the cusp of its next major transformation with the advent of 6G networks. These would transcend mere connectivity enhancements, incorporating AI-native architectures and large-scale sensing capabilities, with AI at their core.

The meeting with Modi builds on earlier high-level interactions at the summit. On Wednesday, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan hosted Amon and Qualcomm's senior management team at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.

Discussions during the Vice President's meeting focused on breakthroughs in AI and semiconductors, and their burgeoning importance to India's digital ecosystem. This reflects a coordinated governmental approach to leveraging such technologies for national growth.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted from 16 to 20 February, convenes global leaders and institutions. It embodies India's commitment to multilateral collaboration, harnessing AI to tackle worldwide challenges while fostering shared prosperity.

Anchored in three foundational principles—People, Planet, and Progress—the summit promotes ethical AI deployment for societal benefit, environmental sustainability, and economic advancement. Such engagements signal India's ambition to lead in the global AI race.

These interactions with Qualcomm's leadership could pave the way for expanded investments in India, bolstering domestic chip manufacturing and AI infrastructure. As 6G and AI converge, partnerships like these will be pivotal for India's technological sovereignty.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

PM Modi Convenes With OpenAI's Sam Altman And Tech Titans At AI Summit, Spotlighting India's Sovereign Tech Surge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a key bilateral meeting with Sam Altman, Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

The encounter took place at Hyderabad House, a venue steeped in diplomatic tradition, underscoring the growing synergy between India's leadership and global technology pioneers.

This discussion followed Modi's earlier meeting with Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, highlighting a packed schedule of high-level tech engagements. Such interactions reflect India's strategic push to position itself as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence amid rapid global advancements.

The summit itself, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, has emerged as a pivotal platform for fostering international collaboration on AI. Altman, in his keynote address delivered on Thursday, praised the event as essential for cross-border cooperation, lauding India's swift embrace of AI technologies.

"It's really a treat to be here in India," Altman remarked, expressing admiration for the nation's leadership in advanced AI. He noted his return after just over a year, during which AI capabilities have surged—from systems grappling with basic high school mathematics to those now tackling research-level problems and generating novel results in theoretical physics.

Altman highlighted India's impressive strides in deploying AI to benefit a broader populace. He commended the country's focus on sovereign AI infrastructure, including small language models (SLMs) and robust foundational systems, which have positioned India uniquely on the world stage.

More than 100 million Indians now use ChatGPT weekly, with over a third being students—a statistic Altman cited to illustrate widespread adoption. India has also become the fastest-growing market for Codex, OpenAI's coding agent, which accelerates software development for users across the nation.

The summit's symbolic high point came on Thursday with a traditional 'family photo' at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Modi stood alongside global tech luminaries, including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet; Sam Altman of OpenAI; Alexandr Wang, Chief AI Officer of Meta; and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic.

This gathering of heads of state, world leaders, and industry titans marked a defining moment, symbolising unified efforts to harness AI's potential responsibly. It signals deepening Indo-US tech partnerships, especially as India accelerates its indigenous AI ambitions under initiatives like the India AI Mission.

These meetings occur against a backdrop of India's aggressive AI roadmap, backed by investments exceeding ₹10,000 crore. The nation aims to build data centres, GPU clusters, and sovereign AI models, reducing reliance on foreign tech while addressing local challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Altman's optimism aligns with recent milestones, such as India's launch of homegrown AI models like BharatGen and Krutrim, developed by firms like Sarvam AI and Ola's Bhavish Aggarwal. Over 150 million weekly ChatGPT users in India underscore the democratisation of AI tools.

Qualcomm's involvement, via Amon's meeting, points to hardware synergies. The US chipmaker has expanded in India with 5G and AI-enabled devices, supporting Modi's vision for 'Make in India' in semiconductors and edge computing.

Broader implications extend to geopolitics. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, AI leadership bolsters India's strategic autonomy, from defence applications to space tech via ISRO. Collaborations with OpenAI could fast-track multimodal AI for sectors like multilingual processing, vital for India's diverse 1.4 billion population.

PM Modi's engagements signal a proactive stance, potentially yielding investments, joint R&D, and policy alignments. With Altman returning amid OpenAI's frontier models like o1, these talks may catalyse tailored AI solutions for India's unique needs.

As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 progresses, it cements New Delhi's status as a global AI hub, blending tradition with innovation in pursuit of inclusive technological progress.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

BlueBird-6 Orbital Deployment Validates Direct-To-Device Capacity; ISRO’s Precision Deployment of Payload

AST SpaceMobile confirmed the successful orbital deployment of its BlueBird-6 satellite on Wednesday, following a dedicated commercial launch from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission validates the company’s next-generation satellite architecture designed to deliver broadband connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones.

The spacecraft was carried by an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) LVM3-M6 heavy-lift vehicle, lifting off at 10:25 p.m. EST on December 23 (08:55 a.m. IST, December 24). ISRO officials confirmed the satellite was successfully injected into a 520-kilometer circular low Earth orbit approximately 15 minutes after lift-off.

BlueBird-6 features a phased array antenna spanning nearly 2,400 square feet, identified by AST SpaceMobile as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit. This Block 2 satellite is approximately 3.5 times larger than the BlueBirds-1–5 launched in late 2024 and offers a 10-fold increase in data capacity.

The system supports peak data rates of up to 120 megabits per second, enabling voice, video, and high-speed data services without requiring specialised hardware on the ground. The spacecraft accommodates more than 2,000 cells per satellite to facilitate mass-market cellular broadband.

Weighing around 6,100 kilograms, BlueBird-6 represents the heaviest payload ever hauled by the LVM3 to low Earth orbit, surpassing previous records like the 4,400 kg Communication Satellite 03.

The successful mission marks the transition from prototype testing to scaled manufacturing and deployment at AST SpaceMobile’s facilities in Midland, Texas. By demonstrating hardware capable of 120 Mbps speeds, it shifts the direct-to-device timeline from emergency messaging to a legitimate 2026 commercial broadband rollout.

AST SpaceMobile maintains strategic partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators globally, including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. These alliances underpin the expansion of space-based cellular services to everyday smartphones.

“BlueBird-6 is a breakthrough moment for AST SpaceMobile,” stated Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO. “This launch validates years of U.S. innovation and American manufacturing… and marks the transition to scaled deployment.”

The LVM-3-M6 vehicle, standing 43.5 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, comprises two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. It boasts a payload capacity of up to 10 tons to low Earth orbit, underscoring ISRO’s prowess in heavy-lift commercial missions.

This launch constitutes ISRO’s first dedicated commercial mission for a U.S. customer, marking the 104th lift-off from Sriharikota and the ninth success for the LVM-3 series. It highlights growing international collaboration in space telecommunications.

Following BlueBird-6 validation, AST SpaceMobile plans to accelerate its launch cadence to one mission every one to two months. The company aims to deploy 45–60 satellites by the end of 2026, enabling continuous cellular broadband coverage across the United States and selected international markets.

The satellite’s deployment reinforces direct-to-device technology’s viability for both commercial and government applications, including 4G and 5G broadband from space. Partnerships like Vodafone Idea’s underscore eagerness for space-based cellular rollout in regions such as India.

ISRO’s precision in injecting the 6.5-ton payload into its intended orbit demonstrates the reliability of the LVM-3, previously proven in missions like Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb constellations. This success bolsters India’s position in the global commercial launch market.

BlueBird-6’s phased-array design promises low-latency, wide-coverage connectivity, transforming mobile access in underserved areas. Its 120 Mbps capability positions AST SpaceMobile to compete in the burgeoning satellite broadband sector.

As production scales in Texas, future Block-2 satellites will build on this milestone, potentially integrating advanced beamforming for denser cellular coverage. The constellation’s growth could redefine global telecommunications by bridging terrestrial gaps seamlessly.

Agencies

​

Comments

Continue Reading

'India Has A Geopolitical Stake Here': Finnish President On Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, speaking at the Helsinki Security Forum 2025, emphasized that India must play a more active role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that "India has a geopolitical stake here."

He revealed that he had recently spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the war and underlined the importance of India’s involvement given its global influence and balanced diplomatic relations with both sides.

Stubb outlined a proposed framework for peace, beginning with an immediate ceasefire, followed by setting a date for a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, eventually leading to direct agenda-setting discussions at the leadership level.

He also cautioned that while peace efforts progress, pressure on Moscow must not be eased, calling for the continuation of economic sanctions against Russia alongside expanding military and defence support for Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position.

Addressing broader transatlantic coordination, Stubb confirmed that discussions are ongoing with European leaders and US President Donald Trump on long-term European security guarantees, noting that military components of such arrangements are nearly finalized. His remarks resonate with Finland’s proactive diplomatic approach since joining NATO and its push for stronger European autonomy in defence.

In parallel, diplomatic engagement with India has gained momentum, as reflected in the August phone call between Stubb and Modi, where the Finnish leader briefed the Prime Minister on Europe-US-Ukraine consultations in Washington aimed at conflict resolution.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s consistent stand for dialogue and peaceful settlement, while also focusing on stability and humanitarian considerations.

Beyond geopolitics, both leaders used the conversation to reinforce bilateral ties across strategic sectors. They reviewed progress in India-Finland cooperation in cutting-edge domains such as quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability, positioning both nations as future partners in advanced global innovation.

Stubb also voiced Finland’s strong backing for an early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which could boost economic ties and enhance strategic convergence between New Delhi and Brussels.

Additionally, he expressed support for India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit in 2026, signalling Finland’s commitment to engaging with India on technology-driven governance and global digital policy frameworks. Modi reciprocated the outreach by inviting Stubb to visit India soon, affirming the growing importance of Indo-Finnish ties within the broader EU-India relationship.

In his social media remarks following the call, Modi described Finland as a "valued partner" and highlighted mutual efforts to deepen cooperation in trade, science, sustainability, and technology, while reiterating both nations’ shared interest in peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.

Stubb’s call for India’s active involvement in the Ukraine crisis reflects rising expectations within Europe for India to leverage its balancing role between Moscow and the West, making India’s potential participation crucial to shaping the trajectory of conflict resolution and the evolving global security architecture.

Based On ANI Report

Comments

Continue Reading

Polymatech To Launch India's First GaN Semiconductor Chip Plant In Chhattisgarh

Polymatech Electronics is set to make history with the establishment of India's first Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor manufacturing facility in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This ground breaking initiative represents a significant milestone in India's journey toward semiconductor self-reliance, with a substantial investment of ₹1,143 crore backed by a 40% capital subsidy from the Chhattisgarh government.

The Chennai-based electronics giant will focus on producing cutting-edge GaN semiconductor chips and advanced packaging solutions essential for 5G and future 6G telecommunication infrastructure.

As India's semiconductor demand is projected to reach $64 billion by 2026 and $110 billion by 2030, this strategic investment aligns perfectly with the nation's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, promising to reduce import dependency while creating valuable employment opportunities for the local population.

Polymatech Electronics has announced its second manufacturing facility in India, to be located in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This state-of-the-art plant will specialize in producing semiconductor chips and base stations essential for the development of 5G and 6G networks, leveraging advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) MMIC technology. The project represents a significant investment of ?1,143 crore, with substantial support from the state government in the form of a 40% capital subsidy.

The announcement was originally made during the Chhattisgarh Investor Connect 2024 event held in New Delhi, highlighting the state's commitment to attracting high-tech investments. The facility will be established in Sector-5 of Nava Raipur, with the company being allotted 150,000 square feet of land area through a tender process by the Nava Raipur Development Authority. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is scheduled to perform the 'Bhoomipujan' ceremony and lay the foundation stone for the unit on April 11, 2025, marking the official commencement of this landmark project.

The new facility will focus specifically on Gallium Nitride semiconductor technology, which represents a significant advancement over traditional silicon-based chips. GaN chips are known for their efficiency in high-frequency communications, making them crucial components for next-generation telecom infrastructure. These semiconductors will power the base stations central to 5G and 6G networks, enhancing the performance and reliability of advanced communication systems across India. The plant will incorporate comprehensive capabilities, including advanced packaging for these specialized chips, addressing multiple stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process. Initially, the facility will rely on outsourced chip fabrication until Polymatech's own foundry in Grenoble, France, becomes fully operational, creating a transitional strategy that allows for immediate production while building long-term manufacturing independence.

Polymatech's expansion strategy includes significant international partnerships to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities. The company is collaborating with Simply RF, a Cardiff-based UK company, to bolster India's position in the global semiconductor ecosystem. This strategic alliance enhances technological innovation and expands Polymatech's footprint in the international electronics landscape. The collaboration is expected to significantly boost Chhattisgarh's and India's capabilities in global semiconductor manufacturing, as noted by Rajat Kumar, the commerce and industry department secretary. Polymatech Electronics already maintains a global presence with operations in India, the United States, and Bahrain, contributing substantially to the global semiconductor and electronics industry. The company serves various sectors including telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, positioning itself as a leader in advanced technology solutions.

The Chhattisgarh government has demonstrated exceptional commitment to facilitating this high-tech investment through proactive industrial policies and substantial financial support. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has emphasized the state's readiness to offer comprehensive policy support, tax incentives, infrastructure development, and special facilities to the electronic and semiconductor sector under the Make in India and Digital India campaigns. The state government acted swiftly to ensure the timely establishment of the facility, demonstrating its dedication to positioning Chhattisgarh as a key hub in India's semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. This public-private partnership represents a coordinated effort between industry and government to advance India's technological capabilities. The 40% capital subsidy provided by the state government significantly reduces the financial burden on Polymatech, making the project more economically viable while accelerating its implementation timeline.

The establishment of Polymatech's GaN semiconductor facility is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for the people of Chhattisgarh, contributing to the state's economic development and technological advancement. Beyond local impact, this initiative holds national significance as India accelerates toward becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse. With domestic semiconductor demand projected to reach approximately 10% of global consumption by 2030, this facility represents a critical step toward reducing import dependency while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Eswara Rao Nandam, CEO and Managing Director of Polymatech Electronics, has emphasised that this project aligns perfectly with the company's goal to advance India's technological prowess in semiconductor and telecom manufacturing. His statement, "With Chhattisgarh's support and our expertise in GaN technology, we are set to deliver next-gen solutions for the global 5G and 6G ecosystem," underscores the project's strategic importance.

The semiconductor plant in Nava Raipur represents just one component of India's broader ambitions in the semiconductor industry. As semiconductors are considered the foundation of digital technology, playing a critical role across the entire IT sector, this investment strengthens India's position in the global technology landscape. The facility aligns with the central government's goal of encouraging high-tech industries and supporting deep-tech innovation and scientific progress in India. Polymatech's investment in advanced GaN technology positions Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub for technological innovation, with potential for future expansion and development in related high-tech sectors. The state's proactive approach to industrial development, combined with Polymatech's technical expertise, creates a promising foundation for sustained growth in semiconductor manufacturing and related technologies.

Polymatech's GaN semiconductor manufacturing plant in Nava Raipur represents a watershed moment in India's technological development journey. The ₹1,143 crore investment, supported by the Chhattisgarh government's progressive industrial policies, demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing India's self-reliance in critical technologies. By focusing on next-generation GaN semiconductors for 5G and 6G applications, this facility addresses both current needs and future technological trends.

The collaboration between Polymatech Electronics and the Chhattisgarh government serves as a model for successful public-private partnerships in high-tech manufacturing. As Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai prepares to lay the foundation stone on April 11, this project stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in semiconductor technology and its determination to become a global leader in this crucial industry. The establishment of India's first GaN semiconductor plant not only enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities but also strengthens the nation's position in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.

TOI Report

Comments

Continue Reading

India-US Reaffirm Commitment To Secure Digital Connectivity, Focus On AI Collaboration

India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing secure digital connectivity and focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration during recent discussions held in New Delhi. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the strategic technology partnership between the two nations.

Both countries emphasised the importance of fostering open, reliable, and interoperable digital infrastructure. The 2024 ICT Working Group included discussions with private sector representatives from both countries on the promotion of secure and resilient 5G and 6G wireless networks, including through open and interoperable approaches like Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) and quantum communications; digital talent, collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), expanding opportunities for Indian and US Information Technology, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductor companies in both countries; and support for trustworthy cross-border data flows, data protection, and data privacy measures.

The United States and India are reaffirming their commitment to enhancing telecommunications supplier diversity, recognizing its potential to lower costs, improve flexibility, spur innovation, and expand options for trusted ICT suppliers. This initiative includes ongoing discussions about establishing an Open RAN Academy in India, which aims to promote the adoption of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) at scale.

The discussions highlighted a commitment to developing a framework for reciprocal investments in AI technology. This framework aims to align protective measures regarding the diffusion of AI technologies, ensuring safe and trustworthy development in both nations.

The U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), launched in 2022, continues to facilitate cooperation across various sectors, including cybersecurity, biotechnology, and advanced computing. This initiative aims to integrate technology and defence supply chains between the two countries.

The meeting involved high-level officials, including U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, indicating a strong governmental focus on these collaborative efforts. They discussed ongoing projects and future plans to enhance technological partnerships.

The commitment to secure digital connectivity and AI collaboration is seen as a vital step towards building a resilient innovation base that can address global challenges and enhance economic growth for both nations.

This renewed focus on digital connectivity and AI reflects both countries' recognition of the critical role that technology plays in their strategic relationship and global standing.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

How India Developed Itself As A Major Hub of Telecom of The World

New Delhi: As the world is celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, also known as WTISD today, it is useful to delve into the journey of telecom expansion in India.

The country boasts a 99 percent coverage footprint in 4G, with over 6 lakh villages covered and about 4.42 lakh 5G BTS, according to the data released by the Ministry of Communications.

The evolution of the telecom industry in India can be categorized into 3 parts, the first stage till 1990 during the state-owned era, the second, 2000, which marked the advent of private players; and, the third stage from 2000 to 2010 and till date.

Indian telecom sector, owned by the state, began services with a manual telephone exchange in 1882 in Kolkata. The telecom industry flourished only after the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) was separated from the Indian Post and Telecommunication Department in 1985.

DoT started running as a model agency for telecom services of the entire country till 1986. In the following years, the government created MTNL and VSNL for telecom operations in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

Subsequently, MTNL and VSNL were carved out of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for the separation of its policy functions and telecom operations in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi and International long-distance operations.

This gives rise to the 2nd part of the telecom industry in India in which the government allows private players to enter the Telecom Industry. Cellular services were first launched in 1995 in Kolkata.

Another milestone during this era was the formation of telecom regulator TRAI in 1997. TRAI was formed to regulate the fair environment between operators and subscribers.

In 2000, TDSAT was constituted to settle disputes between operators, between operators and the government, and between operators and subscribers.

After March 2000, the government became more liberal and issued more licenses with reduced license fees. This starts the 3rd stage of the telecom industry, which was marred with controversies. Ultimately the supreme court cancelled 122 telecom licences.

But the third stage of the telecom sector saw phenomenal growth as in 2005 the 2G revolutionised the telecom market and a number of mobile connections grew significantly. The government increased the foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the telecom sector from 49% to 74%, in the same year.

Another significant revolution came in 2008 and 2012 when 3G and 2G services were introduced respectively. This brought in mobile advertising, mobile commerce, video calling, streaming, full movie download, live TV, and multi-player gaming to the small mobile phone screens.

After 2G, 3G and 4G, the 5G is now has ushered in the country and India has become world leader in adopting 5G. The country is now preparing for 6G wireless broadband technology, with commercial deployment expected around 2030.

Commenting on the day Lt Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, Director General, COAL said, "Both 5G and the future 6G are poised to bring in improved energy efficiency in the networks, despite higher power consumption due to the densification requirements of the networks. The Indian telcos are increasingly adopting green telecom networks, which focus on energy-efficient operations, carbon emission reductions and the use of renewable energy sources."

Anku Jain MD of MediaTek India said, "India has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, possibilities, and inclusive growth in its telecom journey from, 5G adoption to technological breakthroughs"

With rapid growth of telecom subscribers India has now become the manufacturing hub for mobile phones. Samsung has set up world's largest mobile manufacturing unit in India while Apple has world's second largest unit in India. Tarun Chhabra, Country Manager, Nokia India says, "India is on the cusp of a digital revolution with its pioneering initiatives in the adoption of AI and also taking the right steps in establishing its 6G leadership."

With AI and innovations coming in India's telecom sector has a long way to go.

(With Agency Inputs)

Comments

Continue Reading

Army Raises Elite Unit 'STEAG' To Work On 6G, AI, Critical Tech For Military Use

The Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group or STEAG is mandated to nurture technologies spanning the complete spectrum of wired and wireless systems, officials said. The hi-tech unit will carry out technical scouting, evaluation, development

New Delhi: The Indian Army has raised an elite unit that will undertake research and evaluation of futuristic communication technologies like 6G, artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing for military use given the changing nature of the field.

The Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group or STEAG is mandated to nurture technologies spanning the complete spectrum of wired and wireless systems, officials said.

The setting up of STEAG is part of the Army's efforts to develop technologies considering the future battlefield, they said.

"It will be a premier organisation, the first of its kind equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting-edge solutions and identify suitable cases for defence applications by fostering collaboration with academia and industry," one of the officials said.

The elite unit will focus on all upcoming critical technology domains including electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, AI, machine learning, etc., he said.

The hi-tech unit will carry out technical scouting, evaluation, development, and management of core ICT solutions, and provide user interface support by maintenance and upgradation of contemporary technologies available in the environment, the official added.

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande has been highlighting the need for acquiring new technologies by the force in view of the changing nature of warfare.

"Aligning itself with the tenets of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Start-Up India, STEAG will help bridge the divide between the armed forces on the one hand and industry and academia on the other," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The new Centre of Excellence is expected to be a game changer in fostering self-reliance in high-end communication technologies, which have thus far been a monopoly of select countries with advanced economies and research ecosystems, he said.

The Army believes communications are going to be an important component of military operations.

"In the fast-evolving technologies for the battlefield, the side with better communication technologies and the ability to connect the various constituents for information sharing will have an edge over its adversary," another official said.

He said modern warfare necessitates the induction of new equipment to provide seamless communication support to units and formations during operations.

"To imbibe such advancements in technology, the Indian Army has raised this ground breaking technology-oriented unit STEAG which will bolster its capabilities in the digital domain," he added.

(With Agency Inputs)

Comments

Continue Reading

Indian Armed Forces Allocate ₹25,000 Cr to Enhance Defence Space Capabilities

Gen Chauhan urged the industry to partner in augmenting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by developing multi-sensor satellites, launch-on-demand services and a robust network of ground stations

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Wednesday announced that the Indian armed forces have allocated funds amounting to ₹25,000 crore to fulfil its defence space needs including the development of a constellation of surveillance satellites and the establishment of secure communications networks.

Addressing the DefSat Conference and Expo organised by SIA-India, Gen Chauhan urged India’s private space sector to utilise this opportunity to make the country self-reliant in the emerging dual sector.

Gen Chauhan listed out the requirements of the armed forces, urging the industry to partner in augmenting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by developing multi-sensor satellites, launch-on-demand services and a robust network of ground stations. He also stressed the need to develop indigenous positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services by strengthening the NAVIC constellation.

“Indian armed forces cannot remain dependent on foreign constellations for its PNT requirements. PNT services for navigation, synchronisation as well as long-range engagement will require building a secure, reliable and resilient Navic constellation,” he said.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Australian High Commissioner to India Phillip Green, National Institute of Advanced Studies Director Shailesh Nayak and senior officers from the armed forces.

“To execute our future requirements, if I make a rough estimate, our outlay in the coming few years would be more than Rs 25,000 crore. It is the right time for the private industry to utilise this opportunity.

This period may be the Amritkaal for the private space industry. I think it is time to build a highly capable Atmanirbhar Defence Space ecosystem,” Gen Chauhan said. He said high speed, secure, satellite-assisted communication was another area of growth.”Investment towards satellite internet openings, satellites enabling the 5G ecosystem, high throughput satellite and LEO satellites need to be undertaken to provide a reliant and resilient coverage,” Gen Chauhan said.

He said launch capabilities being the basic building blocks, investments should also be on launch-on-demand capabilities in the near future.

Comments

Continue Reading

Army Developing Military-Grade 5G & 6G Apps; Focuses On Rolling Out Emerging Technologies

"The Indian Army has established 5G labs and the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Madhya Pradesh is poised to be a 6G test bed," said a source." The development of military-grade 5G and 6G applications is being undertaken which meets the future warfare requirements," it said.

The Indian Army is in the process of developing military-grade 5G and 6G telecom applications as part of an ambitious project to address future warfare requirement and roll out critical technologies to enhance overall efficiency, Army sources said on Wednesday. The Army is also actively developing military-grade software that includes Artificial Intelligence-enabled decision-making tools and predictive analytics, with an aim to enhance intelligence and operational efficacy, they said.

The software and technologies are being developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

"The Indian Army has established 5G labs and the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Madhya Pradesh is poised to be a 6G test bed," said a source.

"The development of military-grade 5G and 6G applications is being undertaken which meets the future warfare requirements," it said.

The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering has evolved into a hub for AI research and development, the sources said.

Innovations like the situational awareness module for army (SAMA) and advanced pattern recognition software for satellite imagery analysis are notable outcomes that came out of the institute, they added.

They said several initiatives have been taken with an aim to upskill Army personnel with the latest advancements in digital and cyber security spheres.

Some of the specific training activities include training on digital video/image and CCTV forensics' at National Science University (Gandhinagar) and joint training of IT staff at National Informatics Centre (NIC).

The sources said the softwares to read Enemy's Electronic Order of Battle (ORBAT) and pattern recognitions, developed by the Army, are functional now.

Acknowledging the critical importance of cybersecurity, the Indian Army's expertise is being integrated with security operations Centre 2.0 that marks a significant step in managing cyber threats, they said.

This move is bolstered by the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity and cyber forensics tools, they said.

The sources said initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Yojana have incorporated Army's logistic infrastructure requirements. "This will ensure that mobilisation in future wars is fast-paced and logistics supply is made more efficient by use of national infrastructure," said a source.

The Indian Army has been repeatedly commended for being one of the largest users of the government e-Marketplace portal and it exemplifies efficiency and transparency in procurement processes, the sources said.

They said the Army's healthcare system has witnessed a digital revolution with 'Dhanwantri' software, that facilitated linking over 110 military hospitals for enhanced medical services.

Medical services are being provided to remote posts using telemedicine services.

"Human Resource Management Suite (HRMS) is functioning effectively to manage documentation of a large workforce. ASAAN software made for issues relating to Agniveers has been put in place," the source said.

Comments

Continue Reading

After Momentous 5G Success, India Aims To Lead In 6G: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the rollout of 5G networks in India, calling them crucial for the country's transition to a developed economy. He launched the government's 5G Use Case Labs for educational institutes, which will drive innovation in 5G-based applications. Modi also highlighted India's focus on becoming a leader in 6G technology. The labs, set up by the telecommunications department, will receive government funding for their operations. Modi emphasized the government's goal of ensuring the benefits of technology reach all citizens, promoting social justice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the rollout of 5G telecom networks in the country and the progress of the technology sector, calling them crucial for India’s transition to a developed economy.

Modi, speaking at the India Mobile Congress with several industry leaders in attendance, launched the government’s 5G Use Case Labs for educational institutes, which will help drive innovation in 5G-based applications for domains such as agriculture, education and health.

“Internet connectivity and improvement in speeds also improves ease of living. When internet speed increases, a student connects with a teacher, a patient connect with a doctor, and farmers learn new techniques to improve their productivity,” he said, linking connectivity to improvements in “social and economic well-being”.

“India is not only expanding the 5G network in the country but also laying emphasis on becoming a leader in 6G,” Modi added.

The PM said that in the year since the first 5G, or fifth generation, mobile communications were rolled out, 97% of the cities and 80% of the population has been covered. “But we did not stop at that success, and we began to work on making sure every citizen had access to it. From roll-out, we went to the reach-out stage.”

This, he added, tied into the government’s focus on “democratising every sector”. “We believe in democratising every sector, and we are working to ensure that the benefits of technology reach everyone. For me, that is the greatest social justice.”

At IMC, Modi launched the labs first announced in the Union Budget presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman this year.

The telecommunications department has set up the labs for which the government will provide 80% of the capital expenditure and 100% of operational expenses for the next four years. Institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Information Technology, National Institutes of Technology, and other selected higher education institutions, will foot 20% of capital expenditure for the labs.

Each lab will have at least 10 faculty members and 50 students and at least five start-ups or Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises will be engaged with each to test or develop solutions. Each lab must develop or test at least 10 products or solutions annually.

All the labs are expected to be fully functional by March 2024, an official said on the condition of anonymity.

In his address, Modi said India is among the world’s top three start-up ecosystems and the second largest mobile phone manufacturer. “Our electronics exports are upwards of ₹2 lakh crore now,” said Modi.

Modi also spoke about cybersecurity and said threats to it were discussed during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September. “If our entire value chain resides within India, it will be easier to secure it.”

Union communications and electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said telecom equipment from India was being exported to over 70 countries. He added that the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, the governing conference of the International Telecommunication Union’s standardisation sector, and one of its three world conferences, will be held in India in 2024.

Aditya Birla Group chairperson Kumar Mangalam Birla, who also spoke at the IMC’s inaugural ceremony, lauded India’s digital public infrastructure. “Many countries across the world are ready to adopt India’s digital public infrastructure assets across identity, payments, and data management,” Birla said.

Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal and Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman Akash Ambani announced new space communication services. “Satellite communications is here to serve the country … the OneWeb is ready to serve the world … satellite connectivity will be available from next month through our [satellite network portal site] in Mehsana, Gujarat,” Mittal said.

“With JioSpaceFiber, we expand our reach to cover the millions yet to be connected,” said Ambani, who praised Modi’s leadership for “helping bring India and Indians together”.

Comments

Continue Reading

War of Billionaires: Musk, TATA, Mittal & Amazon On One Side, Ambani On Other For Satellite Spectrum

But Starlink wants India to just assign a license for the service and not insist on auctioning the signal-carrying spectrum or airwaves. This stand finds Musk on the side of Tatas, Sunil Bharti Mittal's firm, and Amazon, who too prefer the same route

New Delhi: Elon Musk wants his Starlink to beam down wireless internet in India from satellites orbiting the earth, but the licensing regime his group favours has put him at odds with Mukesh Ambani's Reliance. After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York last week, Musk on June 21 said he was keen to launch Starlink in India that "can be incredibly helpful" in bringing the internet to remote villages that lack on-ground infrastructure.

But Starlink wants India to just assign a license for the service and not insist on auctioning the signal-carrying spectrum or airwaves. This stand finds Musk on the side of TATAs, Sunil Bharti Mittal's firm, and Amazon, who too prefer the same route.

But Ambani's Reliance says there must be an auction of spectrum for foreign satellite service providers to offer voice and data services to provide a level playing field to traditional telecom players who offer the same services using airwaves bought in government auctions.

"India's space-based communication services (SS) spectrum decision is key. Mobile spectrum has been auctioned since 2010 with the government's cumulative sale of USD 77 billion and several players are keen on SS," brokerage CLSA said in a note on 'Satellite Spectrum Battle Ahead'.

Based on comments provided by various companies to the sector regulator TRAI's consultations on the issue, CLSA said several players, including Starlink, are keen on India SS.

Amazon's Kuiper, TATA, Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb, and Larsen & Toubro are against the auction while Reliance Jio and Vodafone-Idea support an India SS auction, it said.

Sources said some in the government believe an auction is the best route as it would get the foreign companies to commit investment in the country. Also, it will allow some kind of regulation over content that can be streamed on OTT platforms using the SS.

At a global level, ITU manages spectrum, satellite orbit resources and coordinates the planning of new satellite networks to ensure interference-free SS. ITU coordinates orbit slots and frequency bands, but India will assign spectrum to licensees for gateway links to satellites and user links (terminal and satellite).

Comments

Continue Reading

Quad To Focus On Tackling Chinese Threat In Telecom, 6G Technology

Washington: Amid threats from China in the field of telecom and 6G technology, the Quad grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the US has decided to ensure "security-by-design and best practices of cyber security," according to a White House press release.

In a joint statement after the meeting of the Quad Senior Cyber Group in New Delhi on January 30 and 31, the Group said that it was working on identifying best security practices for software services and products and minimum critical infrastructure cyber security requirements.

"Our meeting advanced the Group's positive and ambitious agenda. Quad partners are working together to better secure cyberspace and foster an international digital economy that works for everyone, including regional partners in the Indo-Pacific," read the release.

Observing that telecom security is a core function of national security, the statement said working in conjunction with Quad CET Working Group, the Group will strive to ensure that security-by-design and best practices of cyber security are incorporated in Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) and 6G technologies.

The Group also endorsed the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) efforts (of which Quad countries are members) to drive international cooperation and joint action to tackle ransomware including through information and intelligence exchanges, sharing best practices regarding policy and legal authority frameworks, and collaboration between law enforcement and cyber authorities to conduct counter ransomware activities, it added.

In the longer term, the Group has also committed to: leveraging machine learning and related advanced technologies to enhance cyber security; establishing secure channels for Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and private sector threat information sharing; and creating a framework and methodology for ensuring Supply Chain Security and Resilience for information communication technologies (ICT) and operational technology (OT) systems of critical sectors.

"These objectives form an important part of the future-looking, leading-edge work plan for the Group," said the release.

Progress on these objectives will enhance Quad members' national cyber capabilities, lowering the number of serious cyber incidents and improving their response capabilities.

Closer collaboration on machine learning research will enable better detection of network intrusions and improve cyber risk management of critical infrastructure, it said.

The framework for security threat information sharing by CERTs and private sector entities will enable better real-time cooperation and assessments as cyber incidents arise.

"A supply chain methodology will encourage major software services, products, and providers leveraged by governments to adhere to a Quad-endorsed best practice guideline for cyber security ICT and OT requirements for critical infrastructure," added the release.

Further, coordinating and collaborating on capacity-building efforts in the Indo-Pacific region under the Quad Cybersecurity Partnership will enhance regional resilience to cyber incidents and threats, reduce broader regional cyber risks, promote cyber awareness, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure and supply chain.

These efforts demonstrate the Quad's commitment to building regional capacity and ensuring the delivery of an open and secure telecommunications infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, added the release.

Comments

Continue Reading