IMC 2025: India one of five countries in the world that possesses indigenous 4G stack, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), Asia's largest telecom, media, and technology event, at Yashobhoomi in Delhi. 

In his address, the PM highlighted India’s speeding journey towards digital self-reliance and technological independence, while moving swiftly towards the 2030 6G Vision. India is the second-largest telecom market and the second-largest 5G market in the world. “A country that once struggled with 2G now has 5G connectivity in almost every district. Digital connectivity in India is no longer a privilege or a luxury.  It is now an integral part of every Indian's life,” he said.

Modi said that India launched its Made-in-India 4G stack, which is a major indigenous achievement for the country, while joining the other four countries that possess this ability.  “On the same day that we launched the 4G stack, we also activated nearly one lakh (100,000) 4G towers across the country. When we talk about a hundred thousand towers, many countries find it hard to believe,” he said in his inaugural address. According to him, the Made-in-India 4G stack is export-ready, ensuring India’s global business outreach, while aiding in achieving the India 6G Vision 2030. 

The PM also shed light on the pace of electronic production, which has increased sixfold since 2014. Mobile phone manufacturing has grown 28 times, and exports have risen 127 times, while creating millions of direct jobs in the mobile phone manufacturing sector over the past decade. He cited data from a major smartphone company that revealed that 45 Indian firms are now part of its supply chain, generating around 3.5 lakh (350,000) jobs in the country. 

He emphasised on identifying bottlenecks in the global supply chain in mobile, telecom, electronics and the wider technology ecosystem, as India has the opportunity to provide solutions. Using the limited semiconductor manufacturing capacity as an example, Modi said India has initiated work to set up 10 semiconductor manufacturing units. “The world is looking for reliable partners for telecom network equipment design and manufacturing, and Indian companies can and must become those trusted partners,” urged Modi. 

The PM also underscored the importance of a strong and modern legal foundation, thereby rationalising the introduction of the Indian Telecommunication Act. “The Act is not a regulator, but a facilitator, as approvals have become easier, right-of-way permissions are now granted faster. This has encouraged investments, while enabling long-term planning for industries,” he said. 

Modi also lauded the Indian startup ecosystem, noting that the country’s technological future is in capable hands. “Our startups gave presentations on key areas such as financial fraud prevention, 6G, optical communication, and semiconductors. I extend my best wishes for all these initiatives.”