India Mobile Congress 2026: Emphasis on Global Cooperation to Digitally Connect the Next Billion People

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, organized a high-level ministerial event during the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026. The central theme of the program was “Scale Without Boundaries: Investing in the Next Billion Digital Connections.” The event was attended by international organizations, global telecommunications leaders, ministers, and industry stakeholders, who deliberated on strategies to expand meaningful digital connectivity and invest in next-generation digital infrastructure.

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, stated in his address that continuous investment, international cooperation, and an enabling policy framework are essential for affordable and meaningful digital connectivity. He emphasized that 'scaling without boundaries' is not merely about expanding networks, but is linked to the expansion of human opportunities. According to Shri Scindia, connecting the next billion people digitally will be challenging, but it will prove to be the most transformative effort as it allows new entrepreneurs, learners, and innovators to become part of the global digital economy.

The Minister further noted that India's experience demonstrates that large-scale expansion of connectivity is possible through innovation and public purpose. As the world moves toward 5G-Advanced, 6G, satellite networks, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is imperative to ensure that geography or income do not become barriers to opportunity.

The ministerial event saw the participation of Ms. Liisa-Li Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia, and Mr. Hideo Fuseda, State Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. Additionally, prominent figures such as Mr. Seizo Onoe, Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Mr. John Giusti, President and Chief Regulatory Officer of the GSMA Foundation, were present.

During the discussions, the focus remained on the goal of advancing digital connectivity by the year 2030. Participants highlighted the importance of mobilizing investment, adopting international standards, and forming strategic partnerships. The program aimed to create an environment where the benefits of next-generation digital technologies can reach a wider population, building a more inclusive and digitally empowered world.