India sets sights on 10% of global 6G patents: Telecom minister Scindia

Telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says India's telecom vision goes far beyond 5G, with focus on 6G innovation, Satcom expansion and homegrown tech capacity

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India is aiming to secure 10 per cent of the 6G patents in the telecommunications space, as the country has evolved into a digital flag-bearer in the global stage, Union Minister for Telecommunications Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

 

Speaking during the inaugural session of the India Mobile Congress 2025 on Wednesday, Scindia said the country’s ambitions extended well beyond ensuring universal coverage of 5G or exploring the various use cases associated with the technology.

 

“The day is not far when people will say that the world depends on India. I appeal to all of you today, design here, solve here, scale for everywhere. India innovates, and the world transforms,” Scindia said.

 

The satellite communications market, which is close to $4 billion today, will triple to $15 billion by 2033, he said. Scindia added that India would be the world’s largest digitally skilled force in the days to come.

 

The government, Scindia said, would be investing ₹900 crore in a satellite communications monitoring facility. It will function as an advanced centre to safeguard the country’s data resources, as well as spectrum assets.

 

“India will not only deliver the fastest satellite rollout in the world, but will also redefine what Satcom means for humanity. We have done it before with 5G, with the fastest rollout in the world in 20 months. I promise we will do it again,” he said.

 

During a panel discussion later in the day, Scindia said India’s telecom exports had surpassed the ₹18,000-crore mark for 2024-25. 

 

“The Prime Minister's resolve with the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has resulted in close to ₹91,000 crore of new production, ₹18,000 crore of exports and the creation of 30,000 new jobs,” he said.

 

India would strive to be the architect of the future of technology through capacity building and expansion of sovereign capacities in chip design, satellite backhaul, and artificial intelligence (AI)-native networks, the Union minister said.

 

The country was no longer limited to being a consumer of technology created by other countries, he said.

 

He added that the ripple effects of 6G technology-enabled transformation would add $1.2 trillion to India's gross domestic product (GDP). 6G technology, Scindia said, was a revolution with the potential to transform several sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.

 

“Our greatest strength is our people. With 31 per cent of global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates, a thriving startup ecosystem, and partnerships with IITs, IISc, and 5G and 6G labs, India is shaping the next generation of 6G innovators,” he said.