A Communication Ministers’ Conclave was held in New Delhi, with the theme of ‘Enabling Innovation in Telecommunications to Ensure Digital Transformation of the Society’. During the conclave, Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, ITU unveiled Coffee Table Book ‘ITU@India’ as well as launched the UN Wayfinder navigational mobile App. The App has been developed by C-DOT, to enable users to find their way in various blocks and floors of UN buildings in Geneva.

The event brought together Communication Ministers and senior Government officials from across the South Asia region, as well as representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The discussions converged on the latest developments in the field of telecommunications, with a focus on emerging technologies, regulatory issues, and the role of governments in driving innovation and growth.  They also addressed the challenges faced by the telecommunication sector.

The discussions emphasised the need for sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, development of education and digital skills as well as the importance of collaboration between governments, the industry and the society in creating an enabling environment for digital innovation.

The Conclave concluded with a commitment to promote a more inclusive and sustainable digital future and to collaborate on a range of issues, including 5G, cybersecurity, and the use of digital technologies for social and economic development.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw also inaugurated the 17th India Telecom 2023 in the gracious presence of Minister of State for Communications Shri Devusinh Chauhan. Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) is organising India Telecom, an exclusive international business expo.

The main objective of the event was to provide opportunities to startups, MSMEs and Indian telecom stakeholders to meet prospective overseas buyers. Additionally, the Indian innovators were also felicitated on the occasion. These included innovators of the 5G Hackathon, the Advance Optical Communication Testbed Project, the 5G O-RAN Project and the Digital Communication Innovation Square.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Area Office and Innovation Centre of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nation body. Shri Narendra Modi also launched key initiatives of the Government in the same event, including unveiling of Bharat 6G Vision Document and launches of 6G Testbed Project & ‘Call Before u Dig’ mobile app.

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RKJ/DK

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