Nokia Bets Big on AI and India Manufacturing Expansion
Nokia Country Manager Vibha Mehra reveals plans to boost AI development and expand telecom manufacturing in India following India Mobile Congress.
Global technology giant Nokia is significantly ramping up its commitment to the Indian market, with a strategic focus on artificial intelligence and the expansion of its domestic manufacturing capabilities. Speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress 2026, Nokia Country Manager Vibha Mehra emphasized that the company is "betting big on AI" to drive the next wave of telecommunications evolution.
Driving Innovation through Indian R&D
Nokia is not just looking at India as a consumer market but as a vital hub for high-end technological development. The company is leveraging its extensive Research and Development (R&D) infrastructure within the country to build the future of connectivity.
According to Mehra, a substantial portion of Nokia's most advanced technological work is being pioneered from Indian soil. This includes:
- Core Networks: Strengthening the backbone of telecommunications infrastructure.
- Autonomous Networks: Developing self-managing, intelligent network systems.
- AI-Based Solutions: Integrating artificial intelligence to optimize and secure digital communications.
"We have a large base in the R&D, core networks, autonomous networks, AI-based solutions... a lot of that is being developed from India," Mehra stated, highlighting the deep integration of Indian talent in Nokia's global innovation roadmap.
Expanding the Manufacturing Footprint
In alignment with the Government of India's push for domestic production, Nokia is actively exploring ways to broaden its manufacturing portfolio within the country. The company aims to synchronize its growth with national priorities to ensure that more telecom hardware and technology are "Made in India."
Mehra noted that the company is carefully evaluating how to expand its current manufacturing setup to meet the evolving needs of the sector and the strategic direction set by the government.
A Vital Partner in Digital Transformation
The telecom sector remains a cornerstone of India's broader digital ambitions, a mission championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nokia views itself as a key enabler of this technological progress, helping to bridge the gap between vision and reality through robust infrastructure.
Mehra also credited the government's proactive approach for the industry's current momentum. She acknowledged that various state-led schemes and programs have been instrumental in helping the telecommunications sector reach its current heights. "Government is a big, big partner," she remarked, noting the synergy between policy support and industrial growth.
As Nokia continues to pivot toward an AI-centric future, the company expects to roll out a significant number of new developments in the near future, further cementing India's role in the global telecom landscape.