PM Modi Advocates Global Framework for Digital Technology at 8th India Mobile Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the establishment of a comprehensive global framework to govern digital technologies, underscoring its importance in the rapidly evolving digital age. During the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), a flagship event for the telecom and digital industries, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of global cooperation to tackle both the opportunities and challenges brought about by digital innovation.

India Mobile Congress (IMC)

He called on international institutions to actively acknowledge the growing importance of digital technology in global governance, highlighting how digital tools and applications are increasingly shaping economies, societies, and geopolitical dynamics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the issue of a global framework was already brought up by India during its G-20 Presidency, positioning the country as a key player in the discourse on digital governance.

Call for Global Guidelines and Collective Action

Modi called for the development of global guidelines—'dos and don’ts'—for technology, highlighting the borderless nature of the digital world. With cyber threats and data privacy becoming growing concerns, he underscored the necessity of international cooperation to address these challenges. Drawing a parallel to the aviation industry, which operates under a unified global framework, the PM urged similar cohesion for digital technologies.

Additionally, Modi directed his appeal to the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024), which is being held in conjunction with the IMC, to play an active role in ensuring a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. He emphasized that in today's interconnected world, digital security must be a priority, underscoring the need to establish global standards for data protection, artificial intelligence (AI), and telecommunication security.

India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy

“In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. India's Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy reflect our commitment to building a safe digital environment,” Modi stated during his speech. Modi highlighted India's pivotal role in influencing global standards for digital security and privacy, pointing out that the country is already implementing measures to safeguard its cyberspace.

He called on the assembly members to develop standards that are not only robust and future-proof but also inclusive, considering the unique requirements of various nations. 

Modi particularly underscored the importance of ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and the urgent need for comprehensive data privacy regulations, which he stressed will be crucial for the future of global digital governance.

India’s Digital Transformation: Telecom as a Driver of Equity and Opportunity

The Prime Minister praised India’s remarkable achievements in the telecom and digital sectors, referencing the country’s vast mobile and internet user base. "India's mobile and telecom journey in the 21st century is something the whole world can learn from," Modi stated, highlighting the nation's rapid technological growth.

He further noted that while mobile technology is viewed as a basic utility across the globe, in India, it serves as more than just a tool for communication—it’s a means of fostering equity and creating opportunities. India has a staggering mobile phone user base of 1.2 billion and 950 million internet users. Additionally, India leads the world in real-time digital transactions, contributing over 40% of the global total.

World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly and India Mobile Congress 2024

This year’s IMC is being held alongside two major global telecom events in New Delhi, including the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024). The WTSA, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a key event that occurs every four years to establish telecommunication standards. India’s participation is vital for shaping the global agenda in emerging technologies, including AI, 6G, the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite communications, and quantum computing.

Modi stressed the significance of these meetings in fostering global consensus, stating that “WTSA empowers the world via consensus, while IMC strengthens the world through connectivity.” The combination of consensus-building and enhanced connectivity is crucial in today’s world, especially given the rising global tensions and conflicts.

India’s Telecom Milestones

“In just 10 years, India has laid optical fibre that is eight times the distance between Earth and the Moon,” Modi noted, highlighting the country’s remarkable achievements in digital infrastructure development. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the cost of internet data in India is among the lowest globally, at just 12 cents per GB. In comparison, data in many other countries is 10-20 times more expensive.

He added that the average Indian consumes about 30 GB of data per month, showcasing the growing digital footprint of the country. Modi reiterated that telecom is not just a means of connecting cities and villages but also a bridge that narrows the gap between rich and poor.

The Four Pillars of Digital India

Modi outlined the four key pillars of India's Digital Revolution:

• Low-Priced Devices: Making smartphones and digital tools affordable for all.

• Extensive Digital Connectivity: Expanding broadband and mobile networks to the remotest areas of the country.

• Easily Accessible Data: Ensuring that data is affordable and accessible to every citizen.

• Digital First Approach: Aiming to integrate digital solutions into all sectors of the economy and public services.

These pillars, according to Modi, have been instrumental in making digital services accessible to every Indian and in fostering India’s position as a global leader in digital innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a global framework for digital technology at the 8th India Mobile Congress underscores the critical need for international collaboration to navigate the complexities of the digital age. His emphasis on establishing inclusive standards for cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical artificial intelligence highlights India's proactive role in shaping global digital governance.

As India continues to advance its digital infrastructure, evidenced by its impressive mobile and internet user base, the nation not only stands to benefit from these developments but also positions itself as a global leader in technology innovation.

The discussions at the IMC, alongside the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, are pivotal in fostering a cohesive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation.

By prioritizing connectivity and consensus, India aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all, reinforcing its commitment to a safe and inclusive digital future.