Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Edition of the India Mobile Congress 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The theme for the IMC 2023 is ‘Global Digital Innovation,’ and the event aims to strengthen India’s position as a developer, manufacturer, and exporter of key cutting-edge technologies in the telecom, media, and technology sectors.
During the event, the Prime Minister awarded 100 ‘5G Use Case Labs’ to educational institutions across the country as part of the government’s effort to foster innovation and development of 5G applications that cater to both India’s unique needs and global demands.
Industry leaders, including Shri Akash M Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd; Shri Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises; and Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, were present at the event. They praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving the lives of younger generations through the use of the latest technologies, which has powered India’s digital public infrastructure and made India a leader in 5G technology.
In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the IMC in the fast-paced world of technology, emphasizing that the future is already here. He noted that India has rapidly moved from 5G rollout to 5G reach, with 4 lakh 5G base stations covering over 97% of cities and 80% of the population in just one year. India has also moved from 118th to 43rd position in terms of broadband speed, indicating significant improvements in internet connectivity and speed.
The Prime Minister celebrated India’s achievements in the digital sector and its emergence as a champion of the Global South, inspired by his vision. He acknowledged that many countries are eager to adopt India’s pathbreaking public infrastructure assets across identity, payments, and data management. India is actively participating in the development of standards for futuristic technologies like 6G under the Prime Minister’s guidance.
He emphasized the importance of building a strong semiconductor manufacturing sector in India, with an INR 80,000 crore PLI scheme in progress for semiconductor development. The Prime Minister shared that semiconductor companies worldwide are investing in semiconductor assembly and testing facilities in collaboration with Indian companies. This is part of India’s semiconductor mission, aimed at meeting both domestic and global demand for semiconductors.
The Prime Minister also discussed the significance of technology in democratizing development and extending benefits to all sections and regions of the country. He highlighted the role of digital technology in improving ease of living in areas such as education, medicine, tourism, and agriculture. He mentioned that India’s Bharat Net program has connected about 2 lakh Gram Panchayats with broadband, and 10,000 Atal tinkering labs are exposing around 75 lakh children to cutting-edge technology.
The Prime Minister praised India’s startup ecosystem, which has made a significant impact in recent years, with India becoming one of the top three startup ecosystems in the world. He referred to the Aspire program, an initiative by the Indian Mobile Congress to mentor startups, as a way to benefit India’s youth. He emphasized the importance of moving forward as thought leaders and creating new domains that can be followed by others.
Shri Modi reflected on India’s journey in the digital technology sector, underscoring the government’s focus on improving digital infrastructure and reducing reliance on outdated technologies. He noted India’s transformation into the second-largest mobile manufacturer in the world, citing examples of companies like Apple, Dixon, Samsung, and Tata being involved in digital infrastructure manufacturing.
The Prime Minister spoke about the government’s commitment to ensuring access to capital, resources, and technology, especially for common citizens. He mentioned the Mudra scheme, access to toilets, and DBT through the JAM Trinity as initiatives that provide previously inaccessible rights to citizens.
Shri Modi discussed the importance of building a strong semiconductor manufacturing sector in India, emphasizing that maintaining security is easier when the entire manufacturing value chain, including hardware, software, and connectivity, is in the national domain. He emphasized the need for discussions on cybersecurity and the safety of network infrastructure at the India Mobile Congress.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that this period of the 21st century is India’s time to lead in thought and technology. He urged thought leaders to create new domains and inspire revolutionary changes in the sector. He expressed confidence in India’s young demographic and vibrant democracy and called on members of the India Mobile Congress to move forward and make the transition to thought leadership, which can bring revolutionary changes to the entire sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient, secure, and self-reliant digital ecosystem.
Union Minister for Communications, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other dignitaries were also present at the event. The IMC 2023 will be attended by over one lakh participants from about 22 countries, including CEOs, exhibitors, startups, and other stakeholders, showcasing India’s advancements in telecommunications, technology, and connectivity.
