PM Modi Advocates for Global Standards in Ethical AI and Data Privacy

The 8th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Asia's largest telecom, media, and technology forum, began today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the event will run from October 15 to 18 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

In his address, PM Modi emphasized four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, widespread digital connectivity, accessible data, and the ‘Digital First’ approach. He also called for the establishment of global standards in ethical AI and data privacy to ensure responsible technology development.

Themed "The Future is Now," the event brought together global leaders and innovators to discuss advancements in telecom, AI, quantum technology, and 5G. Key focus areas included cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technologies, and satellite communications. The first day saw discussions on topics such as AI's impact on 5G, sustainable cybersecurity, and women driving the digital revolution.

COAI Director General, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, praised the PM’s vision for India's leadership in the digital age, emphasizing the industry's commitment to fostering innovation while adhering to regulatory frameworks for a secure telecom landscape.

Industry leaders also weighed in on India's rapid digital transformation. Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, highlighted India’s unmatched 5G rollout and called for alignment on spectrum management. Ericsson’s Andres Vicente lauded India’s swift deployment of 5G, which now covers 90% of the population. Intel’s Udayan Mukherjee pointed to AI's growing role in telecommunications, particularly in 6G research, while Qualcomm's Alex Rogers noted that edge AI offers a sustainable solution for handling future data demands.

In addition to IMC 2024, India is hosting the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) and Global Standards Symposium (GSS), solidifying its position as a hub for digital innovation.

With over 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and participation from 120+ countries, IMC 2024 aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies across more than 100 sessions and discussions featuring 600 global and Indian speakers.

India’s Leadership in 5G and AI: A Driving Force in Global Digital Transformation

At the India Mobile Congress 2024, India's rapid progress in the deployment of 5G technology and its growing influence in AI-driven innovations took center stage. Industry leaders praised the country’s unmatched pace in rolling out 5G infrastructure, covering 90% of the population in less than two years. This transformative technology is not only connecting people but also enabling critical industries through advancements in AI and machine learning.

Leaders like Ericsson's Andres Vicente and Intel’s Udayan Mukherjee emphasized that India is at the forefront of the 5G revolution, with AI playing a key role in shaping the future of telecommunications. AI’s potential to enhance traditional network processes and integrate seamlessly with emerging 6G research highlights the importance of India’s contribution to the global telecom landscape. As AI-native and cloud-native solutions become mainstream, India’s investment in this space sets the stage for a digital transformation that spans across industries and regions.