New Delhi: The 7th Edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) commenced today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. IMC, the largest telecom, media, and technology forum in Asia, will run from October 27th to October 29th, 2023, under the theme of ‘Global Digital Innovation.’ The Prime Minister’s dynamic vision for India’s digital future was at the forefront of the inauguration ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi recognized the importance of the event, emphasizing that it has the potential to transform the lives of millions in the 21st century. He stated, “The future is here and now.” His address highlighted the fast pace of technological progress and commended the exhibition, which provided glimpses of the future in telecom, technology, and connectivity. In particular, he noted the leadership of India’s young generation in driving the tech revolution.
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister unveiled the ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ initiative, which is designed to encourage the development of 5G applications that meet India’s unique needs and global demands. These applications will have a broad impact, spanning education, agriculture, healthcare, power, transportation, and more, further solidifying India’s role in the adoption of 5G technology. The initiative also marks a significant step in creating a 6G-ready academic and startup ecosystem.
Addressing the role of technology in development, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Technology is the catalyst that expedites the transition from a developing nation to a developed one.” He highlighted India’s achievements in the IT sector and recognized the country’s emergence as one of the top three startup ecosystems globally. He emphasized that India’s journey from a limited number of startups before 2014 to approximately one lakh today is a testament to its growth.
The Prime Minister noted that India is no longer just an importer of mobile phones; it has become the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. He mentioned the export of electronics worth about Rs 2 lakh crores, the manufacturing of Pixel phones by Google in India, and the production of Samsung Fold Five and Apple iPhone 15 in the country.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of a robust semiconductor manufacturing sector, underscoring an INR 80,000 crore PLI scheme aimed at developing semiconductors in India. He highlighted the engagement of semiconductor companies from around the world in collaborating with Indian firms to meet both domestic and global demand for semiconductors.
Cybersecurity was a key concern addressed by Prime Minister Modi. He noted that a self-reliant approach to the entire manufacturing value chain is crucial for cybersecurity. The Prime Minister called for discussions at the India Mobile Congress to ensure the safety of democratic societies worldwide.
Prime Minister Modi declared the current period as an era of India’s thought leadership. He encouraged thought leaders to create new domains that can be emulated by others, citing the success of the UPI, which has become a global leader in digital payment systems. He concluded by emphasizing the power of India’s young population and vibrant democracy, urging participants to move forward as thought leaders to bring revolutionary changes to various sectors.
The inauguration event was also attended by prominent industry leaders. Akash M Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving the lives of younger generations and making Digital India inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. He highlighted Jio’s significant contribution to the rollout of 5G technology in India.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, commended the Prime Minister’s vision for Digital India and the rapid development of digital infrastructure. He noted India’s growth as a manufacturing hub and the remarkable progress in the digital transformation of the country.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership and commitment to digital inclusion. He emphasized India’s emergence as a champion of the Global South and its role in inspiring other countries to adopt India’s public infrastructure assets.
The India Mobile Congress 2023 is expected to witness participation from over one lakh individuals, including CEO-level delegates, exhibitors, startups, and stakeholders from approximately 22 countries. The three-day event will explore a range of technologies, including 5G, 6G, and Artificial Intelligence, and discuss topics such as the semiconductor industry, green technology, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the ‘Aspire’ program, initiated by the Indian Mobile Congress, aims to promote entrepreneurship and collaboration among startups, investors, and established businesses.