The ITU‑APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has announced the appointment of its president, Bharat B Bhatia, as a vice chairman and chair of the editorial committee of the Asia‑Pacific Telecommunity’s Conference Preparatory Group for WRC‑27 (APG‑27). The nomination, proposed by the Chairman of APG27 and endorsed unanimously by the Heads of Delegation of 30 Asian countries. The appointment was officially confirmed during the plenary session held on July 28, 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand.

The second Meeting of APG‑27 (APG27‑2), held from July 28, 2025 to August 1, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in India’s expanding influence in international spectrum policy. Established at the inaugural APG‑27 meeting in Shanghai in June 2024, APG‑27 serves as Asia‑Pacific’s coordinating body to develop regional consensus and common proposals on all spectrum regulations that will be considered at WRC‑27, in particular spectrum for 6G and direct to device satellite services, among other 25 agenda items.

In preparation for the meeting, IAFI submitted twenty contributions addressing Agenda Items 1.1 through 1.19 and Item 8 of WRC‑27. These contributions were finalised during India’s NPC meeting on July 11 2025, and ultimately submitted by July 18, 2025. India’s proposals, particularly regarding sharing studies for IMT spectrum bands, inclusion in Footnote 5.457D for 6425–7125 MHz IMT allocation, and opposition to studies under Agenda Item 1.19 impacting critical radio‑altimeter bands, were largely accepted, with only minor editorial adjustments.

IAFI’s unwavering efforts have been instrumental in building consensus and advancing India’s technical positions, especially under Agenda Item 8, which secured final approval. The appointment of Bharat Bhatia as chair of the editorial committee is a clear recognition of India’s growing stature in global spectrum management and of IAFI’s consistent, constructive engagement in regional and international telecom policy discourse.

Commenting on the appointment, Bharat Bhatia, said, “Being entrusted with the chair of the Editorial Committee at APG‑27 is both a deep honour and a reflection of India’s serious commitment to global spectrum governance. This recognition underscores the technical rigor and spirit of collaboration that IAFI brings to every international telecom forum.”