India has officially launched its ambitious 6G research and development initiative, aiming to position itself as a global leader in next-generation connectivity. Building on the momentum of its 5G rollout, the government has unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document, setting a roadmap for deploying indigenous 6G technologies by 2030.
The program will be driven by the newly established 6G Innovation Group (6GiG), a collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), leading research institutions like IITs and IISc, and telecom industry giants. The focus areas include AI-driven network optimization, ultra-low latency applications, terahertz spectrum utilization, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that 6G will not only transform India’s digital infrastructure but also empower critical sectors such as healthcare, smart manufacturing, agriculture, and education. “Our goal is not just to catch up but to lead in setting global standards for 6G,” he said at the program’s launch.
India’s early move into 6G R&D underscores its intent to avoid dependency on foreign technologies, as seen during the early phases of 5G. By fostering homegrown innovation, the country hopes to strengthen its telecom ecosystem, generate intellectual property, and create export opportunities for Indian solutions.
Industry experts believe that India’s massive data consumption, diverse use cases, and startup ecosystem make it an ideal test ground for 6G applications. However, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure investment, spectrum management, and global interoperability.
If successful, India’s 6G initiative could position the country not just as a technology adopter but as a technology exporter, influencing global telecom standards and collaborations. With this bold step, India is signaling its readiness to shape the future of global connectivity.
