India’s Department of Telecommunications outlined priorities spanning AI-native 6G networks, quantum-safe communications, zero-trust security and indigenous telecom technology during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. The thematic session brought together government, industry and academic representatives to examine how future communication systems can be made more autonomous, secure and resilient.
Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal said India has approximately 1.2 billion mobile connections and 5G coverage in almost every district. The Telecommunications Technology Development Fund has supported more than 130 projects with funding of approximately ₹500 crore. Separately, the Technology Development and Investment Promotion Scheme has an outlay exceeding ₹200 crore and has been renewed for five years through 2031. That programme is intended to help startups and smaller enterprises participate in global standardisation and test technology in live networks.
The accompanying vision document identified indigenous 6G technology, AI-native networks, AI-driven cyber defence and a national quantum-secure backbone as priority areas. It also called for zero-trust architecture, cyber-resilience, expanded skills and tighter connections between academic research, testbeds, industry development and commercial deployment.
G. Subramaniam, chairman of Tejas Networks, presented a framework in which artificial intelligence supports network automation, quantum-safe technology protects confidentiality and cryptographic resilience, and blockchain can contribute shared trust and accountability. Specialists from IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, HFCL, Reliance Jio and the Bharat 6G Alliance participated in the technical discussion.
C-DOT and BSNL demonstrated quantum-communication and mission-critical-services technologies at the conclave. The department also showcased Sanchar Saathi, its citizen-facing telecom-security platform, and the Samridhh Gram initiative. Dedicated exhibition areas were provided for deep-technology startups across the conclave’s twelve thematic domains.
The announcement does not establish a commercial launch date for 6G or a completed national quantum network. It instead defines research, funding, testing and standardisation priorities for the next phase of India’s telecom infrastructure. Implementation will depend on successful trials, domestic product development, spectrum planning, cryptographic migration and participation in international technical standards.
