Scindia calls on C-DOT to lead India's 6G push, take indigenous telecom technologies global

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has called on the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to take a leading role in India's transition towards 6G and help transform domestically developed telecom technologies into globally competitive products.

Scindia emphasised that India's ambitions should extend beyond deploying technologies developed elsewhere, with the country increasingly seeking to design, develop and export its own telecommunications solutions. He asked C-DOT to remain at the forefront of this shift as the global industry prepares for the next generation of mobile connectivity.

Focus shifts to 6G

The minister said India's progress in telecommunications had created an opportunity to emerge as a technology creator rather than merely a consumer. He stressed the importance of developing intellectual property and strengthening research capabilities in areas that will form the foundation of future 6G networks.

C-DOT, the research and development arm of the Department of Telecommunications, has played a central role in developing indigenous telecom solutions. Scindia urged the organisation to accelerate innovation and ensure that technologies emerging from its laboratories can compete internationally.

India has already begun laying the groundwork for 6G through research initiatives, test beds and collaboration involving government institutions, academia, start-ups and the private sector. The broader objective is to secure a meaningful share of global patents and standards associated with the technology.

Taking technology overseas

Scindia also emphasised the need to commercialise Indian telecom technologies beyond the domestic market. He said C-DOT should work towards creating products capable of finding customers internationally, helping establish India as an exporter of advanced communication equipment and solutions.

The push assumes significance as the government seeks to reduce dependence on imported telecom equipment while building a domestic manufacturing and research ecosystem. Indigenous development is also viewed as important for securing critical communications infrastructure and strengthening technological sovereignty.

The minister called for greater collaboration between research institutions and industry so that innovations can move rapidly from laboratories to commercial deployment. Start-ups and domestic manufacturers are expected to play an important role in translating research into scalable products.

Building global presence

India's telecom sector has expanded rapidly following the nationwide rollout of 5G, providing a platform for the country to pursue a larger role in developing future network technologies. The government now wants Indian institutions and companies to participate more actively in defining global 6G standards instead of entering the technology cycle primarily as users.

C-DOT's role will therefore extend from research and development to commercialisation, partnerships and international outreach as India attempts to build a stronger presence in the global telecom ecosystem.

Scindia's call reflects the government's broader ambition to move from technological self-reliance towards global competitiveness, with indigenous telecom products eventually serving markets outside India while contributing to the development of next-generation communication networks.