New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised India’s significant strides in enhancing affordable broadband, transforming digital payments via UPI, and utilizing technology for effective governance, asserting that these achievements have become global benchmarks.

PM Modi emphasized that the nation is ready to spearhead the forthcoming wave of digital evolution in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, establishing standards for the international community.

In a post reshared by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Prime Minister's Office remarked that India's advancement in digital infrastructure is not only empowering its citizens but also influencing the global digital economy.

“Union Minister @JM_Scindia points out that India’s journey in affordable broadband, UPI, and digital governance has become a global case study. He stresses that in the next wave of 5G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity, India will lead and establish benchmarks,” PMO India stated on the social media platform X.

Scindia, in his communication, pointed out Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) partnerships with four global tech giants -- Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia -- as a vital step in equipping India’s youth to navigate the frontiers of digital innovation.

As per Scindia, these collaborations align with flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Startup India, and aim to position India as a global center for telecom innovation and skill.

At the heart of this initiative is BSNL’s premier training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, which will act as the central hub for advanced skill development and research programs.

Under this collaboration, Ericsson will set up a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, providing practical training based on global best practices.

Qualcomm will offer advanced courses in 5G and AI, sponsoring training for the first 100 students and creating new employment opportunities.

Cisco will expand its Networking Academy to enhance access to top-tier training in networking and cybersecurity, while Nokia will establish a 5G and AI-ML Lab with joint certifications that will enhance the industry readiness of graduates.

Scindia highlighted that this initiative is meant to benefit students, professionals, and public sector workers through training modules ranging from two-week workshops to comprehensive 84-hour programs.