India, UK To Expand Tech Partnership; 6G, Open RAN Feature In Discussions

Telecommunication officials representing India and the United Kingdom held talks on deepening their cooperation with regards to expanding the research and infrastructure development. Highlights included expanding collaboration on 6G, Open RAN and global AI native network standards, combining India's scale with the UK's research strengths, according to a release from the Centre.

Open RAN (Radio Access Network) refers to the practice of building mobile networks using components from a diversity of vendors, which allows for healthier competition among vendors, higher scope for innovation and improved future-proofing.

Discussions also focused on deepening cooperation in AI applications for telecom networks, including autonomous network management, AI-driven cybersecurity, spectrum innovation, and non-terrestrial networks.

Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications representing the Government of India, held the bilateral meeting at Dak Bhawan with Kanishka Narayan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety who represented the UK.

Both sides reviewed progress under the Department of Telecommunications-DCMS MoU and welcomed the operationalisation of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre.

The meeting reaffirmed the growing depth of India-UK cooperation in telecommunications, digital innovation, and emerging technologies under the India-UK 2030 Roadmap and the UK-India Technology Security Initiative .

During the discussions, the Minister of State emphasised that India views artificial intelligence as central to the future of telecommunications. He noted that combining India's scale with the United Kingdom's research strengths can help shape global standards in AI-native networks, Open RAN, and 6G, ensuring that technology drives both growth and trust.

He also highlighted India's National Quantum Mission and pointed out the enormous potential for collaboration in quantum communications and secure networks.

Both sides reviewed progress under the Department of Telecommunications-DCMS MoU and welcomed the operationalization of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre.

They also expressed interest in joint research, pilot deployments, and coordinated engagement in global standardization forums such as the International Telecommunication Union and 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).

3GPP is a global consortium where seven telecommunications standards development organisations create technical specifications mobile cell networks.

The two countries also exchanged insights on ongoing efforts to prevent telecom frauds and digital scams through the use of artificial intelligence. India highlighted initiatives such as the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator, the Sanchar Saathi platform, and the deployment of AI-based anti-spam and fraud detection tools by Telecom Service Providers.

The UK side shared its experience with open data frameworks and strong deterrence-based regulatory measures as key elements of its approach.

India also sought the support of the United Kingdom for key multilateral engagements at the International Telecommunication Union, including:

• The candidature of M. Revathi for the position of director, Radiocommunication Bureau, ITU
• India's re-election to the ITU Council for the term 2027-2030, reaffirming its continued contribution to global telecom governance and standardization.
• India's proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-2030), reflecting India's commitment to shaping an inclusive, secure, and future-ready global digital ecosystem.

India also highlighted its rapid 5G rollout, expansion of rural connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and citizen-centric telecom governance initiatives.

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