Is India Ready to Lead the Next Wave of 5G, AI, and IoT?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is set to lead in 5G, AI, and IoT.
- Strategic partnerships with tech giants are crucial.
- BSNL's training initiatives will empower the youth.
- Digital infrastructure is key to global competitiveness.
- Collaborations align with national initiatives.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's strides in broadening access to affordable broadband, transforming digital payments via UPI, and utilizing technology for governance. He emphasized that these achievements have become models for the global community.
PM Modi stated that India is on the brink of spearheading the next wave of digital advancement in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, aiming to set international standards.
In a post shared by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that India's advancements in digital infrastructure are not just empowering its citizens but also influencing the global digital economy.
“Union Minister @JM_Scindia emphasizes that India's progress in affordable broadband, UPI, and digital governance is now a global reference. He asserts that India will lead in the upcoming sectors of 5G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity,” the PMO stated on the social media platform X.
Scindia pointed out BSNL's collaborations with four international tech giants — Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia — as a significant move to equip India's youth for the forefront of digital innovation.
As noted by Scindia, these collaborations align with flagship initiatives like Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Startup India, positioning India as a global center for telecom innovation and expertise.
Central to this initiative is BSNL’s premier training facility, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, which will act as the central hub for launching advanced skill development and research programs.
Under this collaboration, Ericsson will set up a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, providing practical training backed by global best practices.
Qualcomm will offer advanced training in 5G and AI, funding training for the first 100 students and creating new job opportunities.
Cisco will extend its Networking Academy to enhance access to top-tier training in networking and cybersecurity, while Nokia will establish a 5G and AI-ML Lab alongside joint certification programs to improve graduates' industry preparedness.
Scindia highlighted that this initiative aims to benefit students, professionals, and public sector workers through various training programs ranging from two-week intensives to comprehensive 84-hour courses.