The largest digital technology forum in Asia, the 9th India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, is going to take place from October 8–11 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi with the theme “Innovate to Transform.” Global leaders, legislators, business leaders, and innovators convened at the event to talk about the roadmap for digital infrastructure of the future. India has changed from being a “technology taker” and “follower” to becoming the “digital flagbearer of the world,” according to Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Relevance: India’s Digital Leap and Its Global Significance
India’s swift advancement in the telecommunications industry is a testament to the inspiring Atmanirbhar Bharat (India that is self-sufficient) ideal. Because of its enormous scope, affordability, and technological advancements, the nation’s digital revolution is significant on a global scale.
A. The Advantage of Scale and Large Market
At present, India stands as the world’s second-largest telecom and 5G market. 1.2 billion mobile customers call it home, making about 20% of the global mobile population. In addition, India has the potential to emerge as the third-largest digital nation globally.
B. The 4D Foundation
Democracy, Demography, Digital First, and Delivery are the four main pillars around which India’s telecom revolution is built, according to Minister Scindia. By bridging the gap between rural and urban communities, this framework has turned connectivity into a vehicle for equity and opportunity.
C. International Benchmarking
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which consists of the JAM, DBT, and UPI trinity, has emerged as a global standard for innovation and inclusivity. Twenty nations are currently engaged in discussions to implement India’s DPI model.
D. The Future of 6G
India’s aspirations go beyond 5G, as it is anticipated that the development of 6G technology will boost the country’s GDP by an astounding $1.2 trillion by 2035. Securing 10% of the world’s 6G patents is the goal of the Bharat 6G Alliance.
Chronology of Events: India’s Telecom Trajectory
| Date/Era | Event/Achievement |
| Pre-2014 Era | India had trouble with 2G technology. It frequently took decades for new technology to reach India. A 1GB wireless data plan cost about ₹287. There were 60 million broadband users. |
| Post-2014 Developments | The production of electronics has increased sixfold. Exports increased 127 times while mobile phone manufacturing increased 28 times. 1GB of data now costs just ₹9.11, which is 98% less than the price of a cup of tea. There were 944 million broadband users. Currently, 5G is available in almost 99.9% of India’s districts. |
| Recent Achievements (Around IMC 2025) | India’s Made-in-India 4G stack was just released. India is now one of just five nations in the world with this domestic capacity. The 4G stack is now ready for export after PM Modi unveiled one lakh domestic 4G towers nationwide. As a facilitator rather than a regulator, the Telecommunications Act was designed to replace antiquated legislation (such as the Indian Telegraph Act and Indian Wireless Telegraph Act), resulting in quicker approvals and simpler Right of Way permissions. |
| 8-Oct-25 | PM inaugurates the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. |
Opportunities: The Way Ahead for Innovators and Investors
The “best time to invest, innovate, and make in India” is now, according to PM Modi. From manufacturing to semiconductors, smartphones to electronics, and startups, India is viewed as a country full of potential and energy.
1. Taking the Lead in Global Technology Changes
India is concentrating on developing itself into a technology architect rather than merely a consumer:
A. 6G Technology:
With 6G, India will lead the world. It is anticipated that the technology will revolutionize fields such as disaster relief, smart cities, agriculture, and healthcare.
B. Semiconductor Manufacturing
India has recognized the potential that comes with diversifying its global supply chain. Ten semiconductor manufacturing facilities are presently under construction nationwide. There have already been about ₹91,000 crore in new production, ₹18,000 crore in exports, and 30,000 new jobs created as a result of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program.
C. Global Data Hub
Storage, security, and sovereignty concerns become crucial as the globe produces more and more data. India can become a global data hub by concentrating on data centers and cloud infrastructure.
D. Satcom Expansion
By 2033, the satellite communication (Satcom) market, which is presently valued at about $4 billion spanning broadcasting and telecommunications, is expected to quadruple to almost $15 billion. Vodafone Idea (VI) demonstrated satellite technology prototypes designed to enhance communication during emergencies and provide high-speed, low-latency internet to remote locations.
2. Trust and Cybersecurity
Digital trust and security are a crucial area for investment and legislation.
A. Better Regulation
MD of Bharti Airtel Gopal Vittal emphasized the pressing need for more intelligent security, legislation, and institutional cooperation, pointing out that over a trillion dollars are wasted to digital fraud annually worldwide.
B. Indigenous Solutions
Businesses such as VI demonstrated cutting-edge solutions, such as an enhanced AI-powered Cyber Defense and Incident Response System that can eliminate attacks in an hour, a new API-based fraud protection system, and an AI-powered voice spam detection system.
3. Startup Environment
Startups and young innovators are central to the “Innovate to Transform” theme.
A. Funding and Support
Through initiatives like the Digital Communication Innovation Square and the Telecom Technology Development Fund, the government offers financial assistance to new businesses. At the Startup World Cup 2025 India edition of the IMC 2025, 300 venture capitalists and private equity firms offered funding to 550 companies.
B. DSS Revolution
Designing in India, Solving for India, and Scaling from India is the DSS Revolution that drives India’s product innovation journey.
Conclusion
India’s significant rise in the global technology hierarchy was confirmed by the 9th edition of the IMC 2025. Based on the “Four Ds: Democracy, Demography, Digital First, and Delivery,” the nation’s telecom revolution has transformed digital connectivity from a luxury or privilege to an essential aspect of daily life.
This revolutionary journey is highlighted by significant accomplishments like India becoming the second-largest telecom and 5G market in the world, successfully creating and implementing the domestic 4G stack, and getting ready to lead the world in 6G. Mobile phone manufacturing and exports, as well as electronics production, have grown significantly as a result of the Atmanirbhar Bharat commitment to self-reliance. Through the DSS Revolution (Designing in India, Solving for India, and Scaling from India), the emphasis is now on scaling indigenous innovation for the global market.
The takeaway from IMC 2025 is unmistakable: India positions itself as a stable, investor-friendly hub that aims to provide global solutions for supply chain bottlenecks, especially in semiconductors and data management, in addition to being a market that is expanding quickly.
“We were behind the world on 4G, we walked with the world on 5G, but India will lead the world with 6G.” Jyotiraditya Scindia, MoC, GoI