Telecom industry leaders from across the globe on Thursday, 8 October 2026 underscored India's expanding influence in the global digital and telecommunications ecosystem at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi. The four-day event, running from 7–10 October and organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), brought together companies, startups, and policymakers under one roof.

International Delegations Take Note

Khalil Hayas Rashid of the Halabja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq at the event, said the delegation had been impressed by what it witnessed at the exhibition. 'We are here representing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We have come to India, and we are very happy to be here. This is a very good exhibition and we have had a very good experience so far,' Rashid said.

The presence of international trade bodies at IMC 2026 reflects a broader shift — India's telecom story is increasingly attracting attention well beyond its traditional Asia-Pacific sphere, with delegations arriving from the Middle East and Central Asia for the first time in recent editions.

5G, 6G and the Next Wave of Connectivity

Moirangthem Manitombi Devi of state-owned telecom giant BSNL highlighted the congress as a critical platform for tracking generational shifts in mobile technology. 'It is an opportunity to see what new developments are coming up in the technology sector, mobile technology and in every generation. Whether it is 5G or 6G, we can have compatible modes for organisations and entrepreneurs. This is a chance to see what opportunities are available,' she said.

India's 5G rollout — which reached over 700 districts by mid-2026 — has accelerated demand for next-generation compatible infrastructure and devices, making IMC a key checkpoint for operators and vendors alike. Discussions around 6G standardisation, in which India is seeking an active role at global bodies, also featured prominently at this year's edition.

Satellite Communications and the GSMA Perspective

Michaela Angonius, Head of Policy and Regulation at GSMA, said connectivity is now a core component of the digital economy, and flagged satellite communications as an emerging dimension of the broader ecosystem. 'I think India has been really great in allowing this young generation to think outside of the box and provide those services,' she said.

Her remarks come as India navigates a regulatory framework for satellite broadband, with multiple global operators seeking spectrum access. The GSMA's endorsement of India's approach to nurturing young innovators carries weight — the organisation represents mobile operators across more than 220 countries and territories.

Nokia's Decade-Long Presence at IMC

Vibha Mehra, India Country Manager for Nokia, described IMC's evolution from a government initiative into one of the telecom sector's most consequential annual showcases. 'IMC as a format is something which the government started 10 years back. And this has become one of the flagship events for the telecom industry. Nokia has been participating since the beginning. We bring our latest technology here, which becomes a showcase that customers want to see, that our partners want to see, as well as some of the startups want to see,' Mehra said.

Nokia's decade-long association with the event mirrors India's own trajectory in telecom — from a market dominated by imported hardware to one increasingly setting standards and manufacturing domestically.

IMC 2026 in Context

Now in its tenth year, the India Mobile Congress has grown from a domestic industry forum into a global platform, drawing parallel comparisons with MWC Barcelona in terms of scope and participation. This edition's focus on satellite connectivity, AI-integrated networks, and green telecom infrastructure signals the industry's next strategic priorities. The event concludes on 10 October 2026.