PM Modi Highlights India’s Digital Transformation, Says Telecom Network Kept Country Connected During COVID
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the transformation of India’s telecom and digital ecosystem, saying the country’s expanding connectivity played a crucial role in keeping essential services running during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi on October 8, the Prime Minister said mobile connectivity has evolved from being a communication tool into an important enabler of governance, education, business and everyday services.
Digital Connectivity Became Critical During COVID-19
Recalling the pandemic period, PM Modi said India’s growing digital infrastructure helped ensure that the country did not come to a standstill when physical movement was restricted. Offices, banks and educational institutions were able to continue functioning through digital platforms, allowing essential activities to continue despite the lockdowns.
Education was among the sectors that benefited significantly from this digital transition. The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the DIKSHA platform, which he said recorded more than 5 billion learning sessions and 60 billion learning minutes up to July 2022. The experience demonstrated how digital platforms could help students access educational resources even when schools were physically closed. The government is now working towards connecting around 25 crore students with digital and online education platforms.
Mobile Phones Emerge as Tools of Governance
The Prime Minister also emphasised how the role of mobile phones has changed over the past decade. According to him, smartphones are no longer limited to calls and messaging but have become gateways to hundreds of government services, digital payments, banking and welfare schemes.
Digital platforms have also enabled government assistance to reach beneficiaries more directly. PM Modi said more than ₹50 lakh crore had been transferred through digital platforms, while around ₹5 lakh crore was prevented from going into the wrong hands. He also cited PM-KISAN, under which more than ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly to small farmers.
This expansion of digital services has also reduced the need for physical travel and waiting for many citizens. The increasing integration of mobile connectivity with public services has consequently become an important part of India's broader digital governance ecosystem.
India’s 5G Expansion Strengthens Digital Infrastructure
India’s telecom sector has undergone significant expansion since the launch of 5G services in 2022. PM Modi said 5G networks are now operating through more than 5.5 lakh base stations and have reached every district in the country. He also noted that internet speeds have increased substantially since the introduction of 5G.
The India Mobile Congress has itself reflected this progression. The event has developed from a telecom-focused gathering into a major platform for showcasing technologies ranging from 5G and artificial intelligence to semiconductors, satellite communications and 6G. The 2026 edition, being held from October 7 to 10, has the theme “Scale Without Boundaries” and brings together participants from more than 100 countries.
From Technology Consumer to Technology Creator
Another major theme of the Prime Minister’s address was India’s transition from a technology consumer to a technology creator. He said the country is increasingly focusing on developing products, designs, technologies and intellectual property domestically.
This shift is also visible in the telecom manufacturing ecosystem. Ericsson recently announced that more than 15,000 antennas and 25 million components have been manufactured in India since July 2025. India-made antennas are now being exported to Europe and other international markets, strengthening the country’s position in the global telecom manufacturing and engineering supply chain. The development comes alongside wider efforts to expand domestic capabilities in electronics, semiconductors and advanced communications technology.
Cybersecurity Becomes a Growing Priority
As digital services expand, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important part of India’s technology agenda. PM Modi called for stronger cooperation between governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions to protect citizens from cyber fraud.
He also called for a global framework to address emerging threats such as cybercrime and deepfakes, noting that these challenges can cross national boundaries. Greater security and public trust, he said, will be essential as digital technologies become more deeply integrated into everyday life.
Digital Economy Opens New Opportunities
India’s expanding telecom infrastructure is also creating opportunities in areas beyond traditional communication. PM Modi pointed to the growth of gaming and content creation, noting that more than 50 crore people are connected to the gaming ecosystem.
Affordable data and faster networks have also allowed creators from smaller cities and towns to reach wider audiences. Regional content, online entertainment and digital businesses are increasingly benefiting from improved connectivity, making the digital economy more geographically inclusive.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s expanding digital and telecom ecosystem has emerged as a major enabler of governance, education, banking, business and everyday services. The experience during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of reliable connectivity, as digital platforms helped offices, educational institutions and essential services continue functioning despite physical restrictions. The rapid expansion of 5G, which has now reached every district, along with the growing use of smartphones for digital payments, welfare delivery and public services, reflects how connectivity has become an important part of India’s development.
The next phase of this transformation is increasingly focused on India becoming a technology creator and strengthening its domestic capabilities in telecom manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and advanced communications. At the same time, the expansion of digital services makes cybersecurity and protection against cyber fraud and deepfakes increasingly important. The growth of digital businesses, gaming, content creation and regional creators further shows how improved connectivity is opening opportunities beyond major cities, making India’s digital economy broader and more accessible.
(Sources: News18, The Indian Express, DD News)
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