India Mobile Congress 2026: From 5G Scale to 6G Leadership, AI Networks and Secure Digital Future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for stronger global cooperation against cross-border cyber fraud and deepfakes while outlining India’s telecom priorities at the India Mobile Congress.

Modi proposed a global framework involving governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions to prevent cyber fraud before it reaches users. He said cyber crimes cross national boundaries and stressed the need to strengthen security around phones and digital networks.

India has deployed more than 5.5 lakh 5G base stations, with 5G connectivity now available in every district, Modi said. Mobile internet speeds have increased about tenfold since the launch of 5G in 2022. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India has around 550 million 5G users and is working towards one billion users by 2030.

The next phase is focused on 6G, AI networks and advanced digital infrastructure. IMC 2026 covers intelligent radio access, autonomous networks, edge and cloud computing, network application programming interfaces, satellite connectivity, direct-to-device services, semiconductors and quantum communication.

Cybersecurity is also a major focus, with the government linking telecom expansion to digital trust. Modi said users need confidence that calls and messages are genuine, payments are safe and personal data is secure.

The government is pursuing telecom reforms to improve infrastructure deployment. Modi highlighted the Telecommunications Act, faster Right-of-Way approvals through the Gati Shakti Sanchar portal and efforts to rationalise structural requirements such as adjusted gross revenue and bank guarantees.

India is seeking greater domestic capability in telecom technology. Government programmes support research, manufacturing and indigenous intellectual property through the Telecom Technology Development Fund and production-linked incentives. Ericsson has also announced plans to export antennas manufactured in India.

The congress is discussing smart mobility, industrial robotics, stadium technology and transport technology, alongside 5G and 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, non-terrestrial networks and electronics manufacturing.

Organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India, IMC 2026 is being attended by technology companies, policymakers, startups and investors from India and abroad.