Leveraging its telecom diplomacy, Department of Telecommunications [DoT], Ministry of Communications, has been establishing strategic international partnerships and collaborations to build a world-class telecom ecosystem to enhance global connectivity and position India as a global leader in digital innovation and infrastructure.

In another step towards redefining the future of global communication, the Bharat 6G Alliance has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G IA) and 6G Flagship- Oulu University. This is in continuation of already concluded MoU with NextG Alliance of USA. These MoUs with 6G IA and Oulu University will further enable development of secure and trusted telecommunication technology including resilient supply chains. Under the Bharat 6G Vision, DoT is already evaluating 470 proposals on “Accelerated research on 6G”.

These strategic partnerships are important steps on this journey towards achieving India's vision of empowering society through sustainable and advanced telecommunications while contributing to the global 6G ecosystem.

The Memorandum of Understanding will provide India with the opportunity to:

• Connect EU and Indian R&D companies, academia, and research institutions,
• Align research and development efforts in 6G and related technologies,
• Promote joint research initiatives,
• Conduct pilots of 6G technologies and use cases,
• Collaborate on 6G technology development and contribute to standardization efforts at global forums.

Telecom Diplomacy has helped DoT attract new business ventures, forge partnerships with global leaders, nurture domestic startups, demonstrate India's commitment to driving innovation and securing its leadership position in the global telecommunications landscape.

The Bharat 6G Alliance(B6GA) is an initiative of Indian industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organizations. Its purpose is aligned with the Bharat 6G Mission of the Government to design, develop and deploy technology and innovations that provide an intelligent and secure solution for high-quality living experience of citizens in India and across the world. The Bharat 6G Vision manifesto was released last year, aiming to make India a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies in line with the objectives of Viksit Bharat.

The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) is the voice of European Industry and Research for next generation networks and services. The 6G-IA carries out a wide range of activities in strategic areas including standardization, frequency spectrum, R&D projects, technology skills, collaboration with key vertical industry sectors, notably for the development of trials, and international cooperation.

The 6G Flagship programme is a world-leading research initiative funded by the University of Oulu and the Research Council of Finland. It aims to develop key 6G technology components, establish a comprehensive 6G Test Centre, and drive the societal digitisation of the 2030s through ground-breaking 6G research and innovation.

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KSY/DK