Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi on October 8, and highlighted India’s rapid progress in digital connectivity, telecom technology, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Addressing telecom operators, industry leaders, startups, and academics, Modi stated that 5G connectivity has reached every district of the country and that over 5.5 lakh 5G base stations are now operational. He noted that the IMC has become a important platform for India’s technological progress and global telecom collaboration.
Digital Connectivity Boosting Governance and Inclusion
The Prime Minister said mobile phones have moved beyond communication to become an important tool for good governance, education, financial inclusion and ease of living. He noted that digital connectivity helped citizens access banking, education and government services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Referring to the DIKSHA digital education platform, Modi stated that over 5 billion learning sessions and 60 billion learning minutes were recorded on it by July 2022. He also mentioned that an amount exceeding ₹50 lakh crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries through mobile-enabled digital systems, helping to prevent a leakage of approximately ₹5 lakh crore.
Modi also highlighted the growth of India’s digital economy, saying affordable data and widespread connectivity have supported the expansion of gaming, content creation and other technology-driven sectors, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Focus on Cybersecurity, Semiconductors and Telecom Manufacturing
Emphasizing the importance of digital trust, Modi highlighted the need for robust security measures against cyber fraud, deepfakes and the misuse of personal data. He urged governments, technology companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate on a global framework to detect and prevent digital fraud.
The Prime Minister said India is moving from being a technology consumer to a technology creator, supported by regulatory reforms, incentives and greater domestic manufacturing. He highlighted progress in the semiconductor ecosystem, noting that commercial production is underway at five locations, while the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission will focus on developing a more comprehensive domestic supply chain.
Under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries,” Modi called upon the IMC to become a global platform for innovation, research and partnerships that could contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation.
(PIB)
