To reinforce India’s leadership in digital technology worldwide, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) during Dr. Neeraj Mittal’s visit to Geneva. In his role as Secretary (Telecom), Dr. Mittal confirmed India’s commitment to enhancing digital connectivity, promoting innovative solutions and advancing infrastructure planning. India also proposed to host the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference 2030, underlining its role as a key hub for telecommunications policy and regulation. This partnership is expected to accelerate technology adoption and strengthen industry collaboration.
The LoI outlines joint projects that will focus on developing virtual world technologies, digital twin technologies and AI-driven solutions, while leveraging the capabilities of IMT-2030. Both parties intend to establish global standards and best practices that ensure efficient interoperability and scalability. The initiative also emphasizes sustainable development through capacity building, cross-sector cooperation and active citizen engagement in urban planning. These efforts are anticipated to lead to pilot projects and innovative strategies for building smart cities.
During his visit, Dr. Mittal held discussions with ITU leaders including a meeting with Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. Their conversation reinforced India’s commitment to improving digital links, encouraging collaborations and driving technological progress. Topics such as advancements in 5G and 6G networks, AI-based digital transformation, robust cybersecurity measures and initiatives to bridge the digital gap were central to the discussions.
Emerging mobile communication technologies are transforming from simple connectivity providers to platforms that enable effective infrastructure planning. By integrating AI, digital twins and real-time data, these solutions offer clear insights for urban development, transportation and healthcare. This collaborative effort promises to enhance smart infrastructure planning and deliver lasting benefits to communities. These joint efforts will not only support economic growth and innovation but also create lasting value for communities, ensuring a future-ready connected society with enhanced public engagement worldwide.
