BUILDING A VIKSIT BHARAT WITH 6G

Introduction

India is rapidly positioning itself as a major global player in the development of 6G telecommunications technology through a combination of indigenous innovation, strategic research initiatives, international collaborations, and policy-driven technological self-reliance. Anchored in the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s 6G roadmap aims to transform the country from a technology adopter into a global telecom innovator and standard-setter.The government’s approach focuses on the principles of affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity, while simultaneously promoting advanced R&D, startup ecosystems, telecom manufacturing, and digital inclusion.

WHAT IS 6G?

6G (Sixth Generation Wireless Technology) will succeed 5G and is expected to provide:

• Ultra-high-speed connectivity
• Extremely low latency
• Massive machine-to-machine communication
• AI-integrated intelligent networks
• Real-time immersive digital experiences

The article highlights that 6G aims to achieve response times of nearly:

• 1 microsecond
• Around 1,000 times faster than 5G latency

KEY FEATURES OF 6G TECHNOLOGY

Ultra-Low Latency

Near-instantaneous communication will enable:

• Remote robotic surgeries
• Autonomous transportation
• Industrial automation
• Real-time AI systems

AI-Integrated Networks

6G networks are expected to integrate Artificial Intelligence for:

• Intelligent data routing
• Dynamic network optimization
• Automated decision-making
• Smart edge computing

Advanced Imaging and Virtual Experiences

6G will support:

• Holographic communication
• Immersive virtual reality
• High-precision location tracking
• Spatial computing ecosystems

BHARAT 6G VISION

The Bharat 6G Vision document was released on:

• 22 March 2023

The vision aims to position India as:

• A frontline contributor in:
  • Design
  • Development
  • Deployment of 6G technologies by 2030

The roadmap aligns with:

• Digital India
• Make in India
• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Viksit Bharat 2047

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR 6G DEVELOPMENT

1. 6G Testbeds

The Government has funded:

• 6G THz Testbed
• Advanced Optical Communication Testbed

Purpose:

• Promote indigenous R&D
• Build telecom innovation capacity
• Develop next-generation communication systems

2. 100 Academic 5G Labs

The Government sanctioned:

• 100 5G Labs
• Across academic institutions in FY 2023–24

Objectives include:

• 5G and 6G skill development
• Startup ecosystem support
• Industry-academia collaboration
• Telecom experimentation and innovation

3. Research Ecosystem

The article highlights:

• 104 research proposals approved
• Focused on:
  • 6G network ecosystems
  • Telecom innovation
  • Global 6G roadmap alignment

BHARAT 6G ALLIANCE (B6GA)

The Bharat 6G Alliance is a major institutional mechanism driving India’s 6G ecosystem.

Nature

Industry-led collaborative platform involving:

• Telecom companies
• Academia
• Research institutions
• Standards organizations
• Startups

Major Focus Areas

The alliance has created working groups on:

• Spectrum
• Technology
• Applications
• Sustainability
• Green telecom systems
• Use cases

Global Collaborations

B6GA has signed MoUs with several international organizations including:

• NextG Alliance (USA)
• 6G IA (Europe)
• Oulu University (Finland)
• 6G Forum South Korea
• XGMF Japan
• ESA (European Space Agency)
• 6G Brasil

Importance:

• Global standardization
• Joint R&D
• Secure telecom ecosystems
• Trusted supply chains

INDIA’S 6G ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

India’s 6G roadmap projects:

• Telecom sector contribution of nearly:
  • USD 1.2 trillion to GDP by 2035

India also aims to secure:

• 10% of global 6G patents

This reflects ambitions to emerge as a global telecom innovation hub.

INDIA MOBILE CONGRESS 2025

The International 6G Symposium 2025, held during India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, highlighted India’s growing telecom leadership.Key themes included:

• Indigenous telecom systems
• Secure communication networks
• Inclusive digital ecosystems
• International cooperation

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS AT IMC 2025

Joint Declaration on 6G Principles

Released on:

• 10 October 2025

Whitepapers Released by Bharat 6G Alliance

Important whitepapers included:

• Spectrum Roadmap for 6G in India
• Powering Next-Gen Telecom
• AI and Network Evolution to 5G
• 6G Architecture, Security and Exposure Framework for RF Sensing

These documents provide strategic direction for future telecom policy and R&D.

TELECOM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND (TTDF)

Launch

• Launched:
  • 1 October 2022

Objectives

Supports:

• Telecom R&D
• Indigenous innovation
• Rural connectivity technologies
• Startup and MSME participation

Key Data

• 115 projects related to 5G and 6G
• Funding approved:
  • Rs. 310.6 crore
• Projects duration:
  • 1–5 years

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION HUB AT IIIT-BANGALORE

Established under:

• National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

Focus areas include:

• Advanced Communication Systems
• Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
• O-RAN Massive MIMO
• 5G+
• 6G systems

Importance:

• Indigenous Intellectual Property creation
• Patent generation
• Telecom standards development

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA’S 6G PUSH

India’s 6G initiatives are strategically important because they can:

• Reduce telecom import dependence
• Strengthen semiconductor ecosystems
• Enhance cybersecurity
• Create global telecom competitiveness
• Improve digital inclusion
• Expand rural connectivity

CHALLENGES

Despite progress, several challenges remain:

• High R&D expenditure requirements
• Semiconductor dependency
• Spectrum management issues
• Cybersecurity threats
• Skilled manpower shortages
• Global standardization competition

NECESSARY STATIC PART

Bharat 6G Vision

• Released:
  • 22 March 2023

Objective

• Make India a global leader in 6G technology by 2030

Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA)

Nature

• Industry-led collaborative telecom platform

Members

• Telecom companies
• Academia
• Startups
• Research institutions
• Standards organizations

Focus

• Indigenous 6G R&D
• Global standardization
• Telecom innovation ecosystem

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

• Launched:
  • 1 October 2022

Objective

• Promote indigenous telecom R&D
• Encourage startup and academic participation
• Enhance rural broadband technologies

India Mobile Congress (IMC)

Nature

• India’s flagship telecom technology platform

Focus Areas

• 5G
• 6G
• AI
• Digital infrastructure
• Telecom innovation

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

Objective

• Promote advanced technology research and innovation

Focus Areas

• AI
• Cyber-physical systems
• Advanced communication technologies

Updated – 26 Oct 2025 ; 02:37 PM | PIB | News Source – PIB Delhi