The Indian government recently concluded a high-level review of the nation’s progress towards developing 6G technology, setting clear expectations and charting the next phase of work to ensure India emerges
as a global leader in next-generation wireless communications. This review is a critical step under the Bharat 6G Mission, an ambitious initiative launched to position India as a key patent holder and technology exporter in the global 6G landscape.
The review, conducted by senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), assessed the advancements made under the mission’s two key components: the Apex Council and the Technology Innovation Groups (TIGs). The TIGs, comprising experts from academia, industry, and research institutions, have been tasked with identifying technology gaps and developing intellectual property (IP) in areas foundational to 6G, such as terahertz (THz) communication, intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS), and novel spectrum utilization techniques.
A primary goal articulated during the review was the need to move rapidly from theoretical research and IP creation to prototype development and field trials. The government has emphasised the creation of 6G testbeds within Indian research institutions to validate locally developed technologies under real-world conditions. This approach is intended to accelerate the transition from the laboratory bench to commercial deployment, ensuring that Indian technology is mature and globally compliant when the 6G standard is finalised around the world.
Furthermore, the review stressed the importance of global collaboration. India is actively seeking partnerships with international standardisation bodies and leading global corporations to influence the formation of the unified 6G standard. This dual strategy of robust domestic research coupled with strategic international engagement is designed to safeguard India’s interests and market position in the future wireless ecosystem.
The government underscored that the ultimate success of the Bharat 6G Mission hinges on achieving indigenous development of hardware and software components, thereby enhancing national security and ensuring economic self-reliance in this critical technological domain. The next phase will see increased funding allocations toward research and development, aiming to solidify India’s role not just as a consumer but as a net contributor to the sixth generation of wireless communication.
