DOHA, Nov 12: India has highlighted its expanding digital infrastructure, rural broadband programmes and investments in emerging technologies at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, underlining its ambition to become an influential contributor to the global technology ecosystem.
Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani presented India’s digital development priorities during a high-level discussion on emerging technologies. His address focused on improving internet accessibility, strengthening cybersecurity, encouraging domestic innovation and ensuring that developing countries have a greater role in shaping international technology policies.
The minister pointed out that approximately 2.2 billion people across the world continue to remain disconnected from the internet. Despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence, mobile communications and digital services, a substantial section of the global population still lacks reliable access to online infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, he highlighted India’s investment of approximately USD 15 billion in BharatNet, one of the country’s major rural connectivity programmes. The initiative aims to extend broadband infrastructure to villages and improve access to digital services in areas where private telecommunications investment may be limited.
Expanding internet availability in rural communities is considered important for improving access to education, healthcare, financial services and government facilities. Reliable broadband connections can also help small businesses, farmers and local entrepreneurs participate more actively in the digital economy.
Pemmasani also highlighted the role of Samriddh Gram Kendras, which have received recognition through the World Summit on the Information Society awards. These centres are designed to bring essential digital services closer to rural populations.
Through these facilities, villagers can access healthcare assistance, agricultural advisory services, banking facilities and government certificates. The initiative reflects an approach in which connectivity is combined with practical services rather than being limited to providing internet access alone.
Focus on artificial intelligence and quantum research
India also outlined its priorities in artificial intelligence, particularly the development of affordable computing facilities that can support innovators, researchers and technology startups.
Access to computing infrastructure has become an important requirement for developing and operating advanced AI systems. Training sophisticated models and deploying them at scale require substantial computing resources, which can create financial and technical barriers for smaller companies and academic institutions.
India’s emphasis on affordable AI computing is intended to encourage wider participation in technological innovation and strengthen the domestic research ecosystem.
The minister also highlighted the development of artificial intelligence models in Indian languages. Such systems could make digital services more accessible to people who are not comfortable using English-based applications.
Language accessibility is particularly important in a country with considerable linguistic diversity. AI-powered translation, voice recognition and conversational tools could help users interact with digital platforms in their preferred languages.
These technologies may also support farmers seeking agricultural information, students accessing educational material and citizens using government services.
Quantum technology was another important area discussed during India’s presentation. The country is working towards strengthening its research capabilities through dedicated quantum research centres.
Quantum computing is an emerging field that uses principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways fundamentally different from conventional computers. Although practical applications remain under development, the technology has potential implications for scientific research, advanced computing, secure communications and complex simulations.
Developing domestic expertise in this area could help India participate in future technological breakthroughs while reducing dependence on external research capabilities.
5G development and preparations for 6G
India also drew attention to its network of 100 5G use-case laboratories, established to promote practical experimentation, research and skill development.
These laboratories are intended to help students, researchers and innovators understand how advanced telecommunications technology can be applied across different sectors.
The potential applications of 5G extend beyond faster internet connectivity. Its capabilities can support connected devices, industrial automation, remote monitoring and other applications requiring reliable communication and low latency.
By encouraging practical experimentation, the laboratories can help develop technical skills and create opportunities for domestic companies to build solutions for emerging markets.
The minister also referred to India’s 6G Vision and ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s telecommunications regulatory framework.
Sixth-generation mobile technology is expected to bring further changes to communication networks through higher performance, greater integration of artificial intelligence and improved connectivity between terrestrial and satellite-based systems.
Although widespread commercial 6G services remain a future prospect, research and standardisation discussions are already important because they will influence how the next generation of networks is developed.
India’s participation in international discussions could help ensure that its technical requirements, research priorities and market needs are considered during the development of global standards.
Developing countries seek greater influence in technology standards
A major point raised during the conference was the need to give developing countries a stronger voice in determining international technology standards and spectrum policies.
Pemmasani emphasised that emerging economies should not remain merely consumers of technologies developed elsewhere. Instead, they should participate in research, innovation, standard-setting and the development of digital infrastructure.
Global technology standards influence how communication networks operate, how devices interact and how spectrum resources are allocated. Decisions taken at international forums can have long-term consequences for the cost, accessibility and reliability of telecommunications services.
Greater representation of developing countries could help ensure that international frameworks reflect the requirements of different markets, including rural connectivity, affordable devices and local-language digital services.
Cybersecurity becomes a major priority
Alongside connectivity and innovation, cybersecurity emerged as another important area of India’s engagement at the conference.
During bilateral meetings with delegations from Malaysia, Iran and Uzbekistan, the minister discussed cross-border cyber fraud, digital infrastructure protection and cooperation in quantum technologies.
The discussions reflected growing recognition that cyber threats frequently operate across national boundaries and require coordinated responses from governments, regulators and technology companies.
India also shared its experience in addressing digital financial fraud. Pemmasani highlighted that alerts issued to banks had helped prevent potential financial losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crore.
Financial fraud has become a significant concern as digital payments, online banking and mobile-based transactions become increasingly integrated into everyday economic activity.
Fraudsters can exploit weaknesses in digital systems, impersonate legitimate institutions and manipulate users into sharing sensitive information or transferring money.
Strengthening early-warning systems, improving information exchange and increasing cooperation between financial institutions and enforcement agencies are therefore important elements of digital security.
The minister stressed that international collaboration is necessary because cybercriminals can operate from different jurisdictions while targeting individuals, businesses and institutions in other countries.
He also called for countries to share their experiences and best practices to strengthen the resilience of digital infrastructure.
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, which began on November 9 and continues until November 27, is the United Nations agency’s highest decision-making forum. Member countries meet every four years to determine the organisation’s strategic direction, financial priorities and leadership.
The 2026 conference is addressing major issues involving global connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure, emerging technologies, space-based communications and digital development.
India’s participation reflects its effort to combine domestic digital expansion with a more active role in international technology discussions. Its priorities span rural internet access, AI innovation, quantum research, 5G applications, future 6G networks and cybersecurity.
As governments worldwide compete to develop advanced digital infrastructure, India’s challenge will be to translate its research ambitions and connectivity investments into accessible services, commercially viable innovations and stronger domestic technological capabilities.
The discussions in Doha provide an opportunity for India to present its experience while building partnerships with other countries on issues that will shape the future of global communications.