India Teams Up With US and 24 Countries to Advance Global 6G Networks

India has joined the United States and 24 other countries in an international initiative focused on shaping the development and deployment of next-generation 6G telecommunications networks, according to an announcement by the US Department of Commerce on Monday. The development followed a meeting between US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Indias Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial. The discussions focused on the future of 6G technology and ways to strengthen cooperation between participating countries.

Announcing Indias inclusion in the initiative through a post on X, the US Department of Commerce said the partnership is intended to ensure that future-generation networks reflect shared security priorities, improve technological competitiveness and encourage innovation. Prasada led the Indian delegation at the G20 Innovation Ministers Meeting, which took place on September 1 and 2 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The meeting was hosted by the US Department of Commerce in collaboration with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The Indian delegation included Ajit Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with senior officials from MeitY, the Department of Science and Technology and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Officials from the Embassy of India in the United States were also part of the delegation.

The G20 Innovation Ministerial concluded with the release of a ministerial statement highlighting the role of emerging technologies in improving productivity, creating new opportunities and supporting economic growth. During his visit, Prasada also held bilateral discussions with Lutnick on several areas of strategic technological cooperation. Apart from 6G, the two sides discussed semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centres, all of which are becoming increasingly important to the global digital economy.

Prasada also raised the possibility of increased investment from US companies in Indias India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. Discussions were also held on strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence and developing safeguards around emerging AI technologies. Following the meeting, Prasada said the discussions focused on strengthening practical cooperation in sectors that are increasingly becoming the foundation of the digital economy. He described semiconductors, AI and data centres as key building blocks for future technological development and highlighted the potential for greater collaboration between India and the United States.

Indias participation in the international 6G initiative comes at a time when countries are beginning to establish the technological standards and security frameworks that will shape the next generation of wireless communications. While 6G networks are still under development, they are expected to support advanced applications involving artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, immersive technologies and large-scale connected devices.

By becoming part of the international effort at an early stage, India can contribute to discussions surrounding future network standards while also promoting its own technological and strategic interests. The move is also consistent with Indias broader efforts to strengthen its position in emerging technologies, including AI, semiconductors, digital public infrastructure and advanced telecommunications. The latest India-US engagement demonstrates the growing importance of technology cooperation between the two countries. As the global race toward 6G gathers momentum, Indias participation could provide opportunities for investment, research partnerships and greater involvement in determining the standards that will underpin future communication networks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@CommerceGov.