The ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC‑25) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with India emerging as a key driver of global digital inclusion efforts towards universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity. Led by Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the Indian delegation combined high‑level diplomacy, technical leadership and coalition‑building to shape the development agenda of the ITU’s Development Sector for 2026–29.
India’s leadership roles and high‑level outreach
India’s policy statement, framed around the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Driving global Digital Transformation with ancient wisdom and modern commitment”, highlighted the country’s experience in large‑scale digital public infrastructure and its commitment to inclusive growth. India held several key positions at WTDC‑25: Avinash Agarwal served as Conference Vice‑Chair, APT‑WTDC‑25 Coordination Chair and Chair of the Ad Hoc Group on Digital Transformation and Innovation, while Sunil Kumar Singhal and Sandeep Kumar Gupta were elected Vice‑Chairs of both ITU‑D Study Groups for 2026–29.
India led or co‑led more than 19 resolutions and APT Common Proposals, and held 11 ministerial‑level bilateral meetings as well as interactions with over 50 countries to advance shared priorities. The delegation also formally presented Ms M. Revathi as India’s candidate for Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau and promoted India’s candidature for the ITU Council term 2027–2030.
Digital transformation and innovation: Resolutions 85, 89, 90
Under the Digital Transformation and Innovation cluster, India was instrumental in strengthening Resolution 85, which extends the Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities framework to include “smart villages” so that rural and remote communities benefit from IoT‑enabled services and context‑specific planning. Resolutions 89 and 90, also heavily shaped by India, reinforce the ITU‑D Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance and the Global Innovation Forum, emphasising support for local innovators, strategic foresight and the use of regional offices to back startups and SMEs pursuing universal, meaningful connectivity.
Cybersecurity, spam control and device security: Resolutions 45, 84
On Building Confidence and Security in ICTs, India steered updates to Resolution 45, tackling misuse of telecom networks such as voice spam and caller‑ID spoofing and calling for tools that improve SMEs’ cybersecurity and resilience. India also contributed to Resolution 84, which recognises the growing problem of mobile device theft and tampering and encourages international sharing of best practices to protect consumers and networks.
Policy, spectrum and EMF awareness: Resolutions 9, 62
India’s proposals under policy and spectrum helped shape Resolution 9, which champions flexible regulatory approaches like regulatory sandboxes, experimental spectrum for emerging technologies including IMT‑2030 (6G) and UAVs, and improved tools for spectrum management in developing countries, including guidance on valuation, assignment and sharing of spectrum. Enhancements to Resolution 62, supported by India, aim to counter misinformation on electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure by updating ITU guidance on emissions from various wireless sources and expanding public awareness campaigns on safe device use.
Disaster management, climate and inclusion: Resolutions 34, 66, 58
In emergency telecommunications, India helped strengthen Resolution 34, promoting use of emerging ICTs such as cell‑broadcast early‑warning systems, local‑language alerts, GIS mapping of telecom infrastructure and regional cooperation for cross‑border disaster information. On sustainability, India contributed to Resolution 66, which encourages national strategies to cut ICT‑related carbon footprints, improve e‑waste management and promote circular‑economy practices in the digital sector. India also backed Resolution 58 on diversity and inclusion, advancing measures to improve ICT accessibility for older persons and vulnerable groups in line with universal connectivity goals.
Showcasing Indian innovation and ITU partnership
At the conference venue, India showcased indigenous solutions from C‑DOT through a dedicated exhibition stall that drew strong interest from delegations exploring affordable, scalable digital infrastructure. India also hosted a networking reception for ministers and heads of delegation, underlining its long‑standing partnership with ITU—recognised by Secretary‑General Doreen Bogdan‑Martin, who described India as a “valuable partner” that has served on the ITU Council since 1952.
Conclusion
The conclusion of WTDC‑25 marks a significant consolidation of India’s position as a global champion for inclusive, secure and sustainable digital development. Through leadership roles, consensus‑driven negotiations and concrete resolution text, India has helped shape the ITU‑D roadmap for 2026–29, ensuring that universal meaningful connectivity, innovation and resilience remain at the heart of the global telecom agenda.
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Source: PIB
