Minister of state (MoS) for communications and rural development held a bilateral meeting with parliamentary under-secretary of state for artificial intelligence (AI) and online safety, United Kingdom (UK). During the discussions, the MoS emphasised that India views AI as central to the future of telecommunications. He noted that combining India’s scale with the UK’s research strengths can help shape global standards in AI-native networks, open radio access network (Open RAN), and 6G, ensuring that technology drives both growth and trust.
Both sides reviewed progress under the Department of Telecommunications-DCMS memorandum of understanding and welcomed the operationalisation of the India-UK connectivity and innovation centre. MoS also highlighted India’s National Quantum Mission and pointed out the enormous potential for collaboration in quantum communications and secure networks.
Discussions focused on deepening cooperation in AI applications for telecom networks, including autonomous network management, AI-driven cybersecurity, spectrum innovation, and non-terrestrial networks. Both sides expressed interest in joint research, pilot deployments, and coordinated engagement in global standardisation forums.
India and UK also exchanged insights on ongoing efforts to prevent telecom frauds and digital scams through the use of AI. India highlighted initiatives such as the financial fraud risk indicator (FRI), the Sanchar Saathi platform, and the deployment of AI-based anti-spam and fraud detection tools by telecom service providers. The UK side shared its experience with open data frameworks and strong deterrence-based regulatory measures as key elements of its approach.
India also sought the support of the UK for key multilateral engagements at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), including the candidature for the position of director, Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), ITU; India’s re-election to the ITU Council for the term 2027-2030, reaffirming its continued contribution to global telecom governance and standardisation; and India’s proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-2030), reflecting India’s commitment to shaping an inclusive, secure, and future-ready global digital ecosystem.
India also highlighted its rapid 5G rollout, expansion of rural connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and citizen-centric telecom governance initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen structured institutional engagement and build secure, trusted, and future-ready digital infrastructure in both countries. The meeting reaffirmed the growing depth of India-UK cooperation in telecommunications, digital innovation, and emerging technologies under the India-UK 2030 Roadmap and the UK-India technology security initiative.
