“From Consumer to Creator”: PM Modi Highlights India’s Tech Push
At the India Mobile Congress, PM Modi highlighted India's shift toward domestic product design, IP, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared a transformative era for the nation, asserting that India is rapidly transitioning from being a mere consumer to a creator in the global technology and telecommunications landscape. Speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country is no longer just using foreign technology but is actively building its own products, designs, and intellectual property (IP).
A Shift Toward Domestic Innovation
Addressing stakeholders at the Yashobhoomi convention centre, PM Modi outlined a vision where the entire lifecycle of technology resides within India. He noted that the current trajectory is aimed at a stage where the core design, the underlying technology, and the resulting intellectual property are all homegrown.
"In recent years, India has embarked on the journey from Consumer to Creator. Now India is moving towards that goal, where the product and its design will also be in India; its technology and IP will also be in India," the Prime Minister stated.
Telecom Reforms and Infrastructure
To support this ambitious leap, the Prime Minister detailed several structural reforms aimed at modernizing the telecom sector. Key highlights included:
- Legislative Modernization: The introduction of the Telecommunications Act to establish a modern regulatory framework and replace decades-old laws.
- Reducing Structural Burdens: Efforts to rationalize financial pressures, specifically mentioning AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) and bank guarantees.
- Digital Efficiency: The implementation of the 'Gati Shakti Sanchar' portal, which has utilized digital means to accelerate the Right of Way approval process.
The Semiconductor Momentum
The Prime Minister also provided an update on India's growing semiconductor ecosystem. He revealed that commercial production has already commenced at five different locations. Looking ahead, he noted that the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission will shift focus toward securing and strengthening the entire supply chain.
Tackling the Deepfake Threat
Beyond manufacturing and infrastructure, the Prime Minister raised a red flag regarding the rising digital menace of deepfakes. He characterized deepfakes as a massive global challenge that requires more than just local solutions.
PM Modi called for the establishment of a Global Framework to combat this threat, urging a coordinated effort between:
- National governments
- Global technology companies
- Telecom operators
- Financial institutions
He specifically urged the GSMA and telecom operators worldwide to develop a mechanism capable of intercepting fraud before it reaches the general public. He stressed that India's own experiences with digital security could provide valuable lessons for the rest of the world.
The Path to Viksit Bharat
Linking technological advancement to the broader national goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), the Prime Minister remarked that the journey of development is defined by the constant crossing of new milestones. He emphasized that phone and network security must remain top priorities as the country expands its digital footprint.
The India Mobile Congress serves as a massive gathering for the digital ecosystem, focusing on next-generation infrastructure, technology-led economic growth, and the creation of secure, inclusive digital access for all.