PM Modi Inaugurates India Mobile Congress 2025: “India Has 5G in Almost Every District That Once Struggled With 2G”
“India will be empowered by the speed of startups and the scale of established players working together,” the PM said
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology event, today at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underscored India’s remarkable journey from the 2G era to becoming one of the world’s leading 5G and digital innovation hubs.
“The India Mobile Congress and the country’s success in the telecom sector reflect the strength of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision,” said the Prime Minister. “The country today has 5G in almost every district that once struggled with 2G.”
India’s Telecom Revolution
Highlighting India’s transformation, PM Modi said that electronics production has grown sixfold since 2014, mobile phone manufacturing increased twenty-eight times, and exports surged 127 times. The mobile phone industry has generated millions of jobs, with a single global smartphone company now sourcing from 45 Indian firms, creating about 3.5 lakh jobs.
He emphasized that India’s Made-in-India 4G Stack marks a major indigenous milestone, positioning India among five countries globally capable of developing such advanced telecom infrastructure. On the launch day, one lakh 4G towers were activated nationwide, connecting over two crore people — many in remote areas.
“This indigenous 4G stack will also strengthen India’s 6G Vision 2030 and open global export opportunities,” the Prime Minister noted.
Policy and Legal Framework Modernization
PM Modi highlighted the Telecommunications Act, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act, ensuring a modern, industry-friendly regulatory framework.
“The new law acts as a facilitator, not just a regulator,” he said, adding that faster Right-of-Way permissions and easier approvals are boosting investments and infrastructure growth.
Cybersecurity has also been prioritized, with stricter laws against cyber frauds, enhanced accountability, and improved grievance redressal systems.
Global Leadership and Investment Opportunities
Prime Minister Modi underlined that India is now the second-largest telecom market and the second-largest 5G market in the world.
“India has the manpower, mobility, and mindset to lead the world,” he declared. “This is the best time to invest, innovate, and make in India!”
He cited the low cost of mobile data — cheaper than a cup of tea — as a symbol of India’s digital inclusivity, with per-user data consumption among the world’s highest.
Innovation Ecosystem and Start-Up Growth
The Prime Minister lauded the contribution of India’s start-ups and innovators, noting that this year’s IMC has invited over 500 start-ups to connect with investors and global mentors. He highlighted government initiatives such as the Telecom Technology Development Fund and Digital Communications Innovations Square supporting R&D, test beds, and collaboration among startups, industry, and academia.
“India will be empowered by the speed of startups and the scale of established players working together,” he said.
Future Opportunities and Global Supply Chain
PM Modi urged the industry to seize opportunities arising from global supply chain disruptions in telecom, electronics, and semiconductors. He revealed that ten semiconductor manufacturing units are under development across India, paving the way for self-reliance in critical technologies.
“In telecom, mobile, and electronics, wherever global bottlenecks exist, India has the opportunity to provide solutions,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
He also called for expanding domestic manufacturing of chipsets, batteries, displays, and sensors, and advancing data centers and cloud infrastructure to make India a global data hub.
The event was attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and other dignitaries.
