Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, October 27 highlighted India's tech achievements and aspirations, including the fast adoption of 5G in the country. While speaking at the 7th Edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, a three-day flagship technology event at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, PM Modi noted that the ‘future is no longer a decade or a century away, but due to advances in technology, the future is here and now.’

At the event, PM inaugurated 100 5G labs, which include most of the well-known engineering colleges across the country, and said that in nine years of his government, India's startup ecosystem has become one of the largest in the world, and is in the top three. He lauded the glimpses of the future seen in the exhibition hall, including AI, 6G, semiconductor technology, space exploration, deep-sea technologies, and green tech.

Further, PM Modi expressed confidence that India would lead the world in 6G technology. He pointed out the social and economic implications of improved internet connectivity and speed, such as better education access, telehealth for patients, and advanced farming techniques for farmers.

The democratisation of technology and the focus on social justice were key themes, with access to capital, resources, and technology being a government priority. PM Modi likened India's tech evolution to the mobile phone industry transformation, from being a mobile phone importer in 2014 to becoming the world's largest second-largest mobile manufacturer, exporting electronic goods worth 2 lakh crores.

PM further emphasised India's potential to be a thought leader in various digital domains, citing digital payments and the CoWIN platform as examples. He invited people to visit Bharat Mandapam to experience the latest in tech.

Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav added to the discussion, noting that mobile phones worth over Rs 90,000 crore were exported last year. He highlighted the significant reduction in the time required to obtain permissions for setting up mobile towers and the telecom industry's growth, particularly in the rollout of 5G, affordable data, and telecom technology exports.

Vaishnav emphasised India's aspiration to be a global leader in telecom technology, with faster permissions for infrastructure and a focus on expanding India's technological influence.

"The popularity of mobile devices has been showcased by the viewership of events such as the India-New Zealand cricket match and the Chandrayaan landing, watched by millions on their mobile devices. India is preparing to lead the way in 6G technology, with plans for a 6G test bed and the inauguration of 100 5G labs to encourage innovation and development in educational institutions," he said.

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(Edited by : Amrita)

First Published:Oct 27, 2023 12:16 PM IST