India joins US, 24 nations in push for next-generation 6G networks - The Times of India

**India Joins U.S.-Led Coalition of 24 Nations to Accelerate 6G Development**

New Delhi – In a coordinated move announced at the G20 Innovation Ministers’ Meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, India confirmed its participation in a United States‑backed consortium of 24 countries that will jointly develop next‑generation 6G wireless technology. The decision was presented by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada, who highlighted that the partnership will pool research funding, share spectrum‑allocation strategies, and establish cross‑border test‑beds to fast‑track standards for a network expected to become operational around 2030. The coalition, which includes traditional allies such as Japan, South Korea, Canada and several European Union members, aims to complement the existing 5G rollout while ensuring that emerging economies have a stake in shaping future digital infrastructure.

The 6G pledge dovetails with India’s broader push at the G20 summit to position itself as a hub for artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital innovation. U.S. officials described India as an “extraordinary opportunity” for AI cooperation, citing the country’s rapidly expanding talent pool, ambitious national AI strategy, and recent policy incentives for chip design and fabrication. During the Chapel Hill gathering, Prasada outlined an “innovation‑led growth” agenda that calls for increased public‑private partnerships, accelerated regulatory reforms, and targeted investments in research and development to bridge the gap between the Indian technology ecosystem and global standards.

Analysts view India’s entry into the 6G consortium as both a strategic and economic milestone. By aligning with the U.S. and a broad coalition, India can tap into shared research facilities, gain early access to emerging patents, and attract foreign direct investment in high‑tech sectors. The collaboration is also expected to bolster national security by reducing dependence on a narrow set of vendors for critical communications infrastructure. However, experts caution that the success of the initiative will hinge on sustained funding, robust intellectual‑property frameworks, and the ability to translate laboratory breakthroughs into scalable commercial solutions within a decade.