NEW DELHI, Oct 30: India is stepping up efforts to develop intelligent and quantum-secure telecommunications infrastructure, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) highlighting indigenous research, artificial intelligence-driven network management and next-generation security technologies as key priorities for the country’s digital future.
The initiative gained momentum at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, where the Department of Telecommunications led a thematic session on ‘Intelligent Networks and Quantum Communication’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The conclave was held from October 27 to 29, bringing together representatives from government, industry, academia and research institutions to discuss emerging technologies and their potential applications.
The October 28 session focused on developing secure, intelligent and resilient digital communication systems capable of meeting the requirements of an increasingly connected economy. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, quantum communication, cybersecurity, indigenous telecommunications equipment and the transition towards future 6G networks.
Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications Amit Agrawal said India had established one of the world’s largest and most affordable telecom networks, with approximately 1.2 billion mobile connections and 5G services available in almost every district.
He highlighted the country’s rapid 5G expansion and said government support for domestic research and development was helping transform laboratory innovations into commercially viable technologies.
According to the department, more than 130 projects have received support under the Telecommunications Technology Development Fund (TTDF), involving financial assistance of approximately Rs 500 crore. The initiative is intended to encourage indigenous technology development and strengthen India’s ability to design and manufacture telecommunications solutions.
The government is also supporting startups and micro, small and medium enterprises through the Technology Development and Investment Promotion Scheme. With an allocation exceeding Rs 200 crore, the programme has been renewed for another five-year period until 2031.
The scheme is aimed at helping emerging companies participate in international standardisation activities and test their technologies in operational networks. Such support is considered important for domestic companies seeking to compete in a telecommunications industry traditionally dominated by major international equipment manufacturers.
A major theme of the conclave was the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum-safe technologies into future communication networks.
Delivering the keynote address, Tejas Networks Chairman N G Subramaniam discussed the concept of intelligent, post-quantum networks and explained how artificial intelligence, quantum-safe technologies and blockchain could complement one another.
Artificial intelligence can help networks monitor their performance, identify technical problems and automate certain operational processes. Quantum-safe technologies, meanwhile, are being developed to protect sensitive information against increasingly sophisticated computational threats, including potential risks associated with future quantum computers.
Blockchain-based systems could provide additional mechanisms for maintaining trust, accountability and secure information exchange across interconnected networks.
The discussions highlighted that future telecom infrastructure will require more than higher internet speeds and expanded coverage. Network reliability, data protection, automated management and the ability to withstand cyberattacks are expected to become equally important.
Another presentation examined the potential use of AI-powered medical imaging over quantum-secure intelligent healthcare networks.
The presentation by Meenal Gupta of Easiofy Solutions explored how high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity could support the transfer and analysis of medical images while maintaining strong security protections.
Such systems could have applications in hospitals, diagnostic centres and healthcare facilities located outside major urban centres. Doctors may be able to access medical images remotely, consult specialists and use AI-assisted tools to support diagnostic procedures.
However, the effectiveness of such applications would depend on reliable connectivity, adequate computing infrastructure, secure handling of patient information and the availability of trained medical professionals.
The role of indigenous radio access network technology was another important subject at the event.
Himamshu Khasnis of Signalchip Innovations presented work on intelligent and secure radio access networks, highlighting the importance of domestically developed chipsets, radio units and base-station solutions.
Radio access networks form a critical part of mobile telecommunications infrastructure, connecting mobile devices to the wider network. Developing domestic capabilities in this area could help India reduce dependence on imported technologies and build a stronger telecommunications manufacturing ecosystem.
The presentation also discussed AI-enabled network optimisation and advanced security technologies, including approaches designed to prepare communication systems for the post-quantum era.
Experts from IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, HFCL, Reliance Jio and the Bharat 6G Alliance participated in a panel discussion on the future of intelligent networks and quantum communication.
The discussion was moderated by Rajkumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and brought together perspectives from academic research, telecom operators and technology companies.
The participants examined the challenges involved in developing secure communication infrastructure while ensuring that new technologies can be adopted on a large scale.
The vision document accompanying the session identified several priority areas, including indigenous 6G technologies, AI-native networks, AI-driven cyber defence, a national quantum-secure backbone, zero-trust security and workforce development.
The emphasis on AI-native networks reflects a broader shift in telecommunications. Instead of treating artificial intelligence as an additional service, future networks are expected to incorporate intelligent systems into their basic architecture.
Such networks could use automated tools to manage traffic, allocate resources, detect unusual activity and respond to technical disruptions. This could improve network efficiency as demand for data-intensive services continues to rise.
The development of quantum-secure communication infrastructure is also gaining importance as governments and businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to manage financial transactions, public services, defence communications and sensitive information.
Traditional encryption methods remain central to digital security, but advances in quantum computing could eventually challenge some existing cryptographic systems. Researchers are therefore working on new encryption approaches and communication technologies designed to withstand future threats.
A national quantum-secure backbone could provide an important foundation for protecting sensitive communication channels. However, its development would require sustained research, testing, investment and coordination among government agencies, telecom operators and technology companies.
The Department of Telecommunications also used the conclave to showcase practical applications of its ongoing initiatives.
C-DOT and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited jointly displayed technologies relating to quantum communication and Mission Critical Services. The department also presented the Sanchar Saathi and Samridhh Gram initiatives, highlighting the public-facing applications of digital communication technologies.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for deep-tech startups to demonstrate their solutions across the conclave’s 12 thematic areas.
For India, the next phase of telecommunications development will involve translating research into products that can be deployed commercially and used by ordinary citizens, businesses and public institutions.
The expansion of 5G has already created a foundation for advanced digital services, but the transition towards 6G and intelligent networks will require new infrastructure, skilled professionals and closer cooperation between research institutions and industry.
The government has increasingly emphasised domestic innovation as part of its broader objective of strengthening technological self-reliance. Supporting startups, encouraging local manufacturing and participating in international standards development are expected to remain important elements of this strategy.
The ESTIC 2026 discussions also underlined that technological independence cannot be achieved through research funding alone. Indigenous solutions must demonstrate reliability, affordability, security and the ability to operate alongside international technologies.
As artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced connectivity continue to reshape the global technology landscape, India’s ability to develop secure and locally designed telecommunications systems could become an important factor in its digital competitiveness.
The challenge ahead will be to ensure that these technologies move beyond research laboratories and specialised demonstrations to become part of a reliable, affordable and accessible national digital infrastructure.