- ITU-R’s IMT-2030 framework (M.2160) is the global vision for 6G
- India’s Bharat 6G Vision Document (March 2023) sets national objectives
- 100 5G labs established across universities to prepare for 6G
- TTDF Scheme (Oct 2022) has approved 104 projects worth ₹275.88 crore
- Bharat 6G Alliance unites Indian stakeholders and global partners
- TIH at IIIT Bangalore focuses on RIS and O-RAN Massive MIMO for 6G R&D
- India aims to be a global 6G leader by 2030
Source: PIB
India is preparing for the rollout of 6G technology by 2030, following the global framework set by the International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), according to Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development.
Global Framework: ITU-R M.2160
The ITU-R* Recommendation M.2160, titled “Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2030 and beyond”, defines the IMT-2030 vision—popularly known as 6G.
It sets out:
- Enhanced capabilities over 5G, including ultra-high data speeds and ultra-low latency
- New capabilities like AI-native networks and communication-sensing integration
- Seamless connectivity using both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks
This global framework acts as the reference point for countries, including India, to plan their 6G strategies.
*ITU-R: International Telecommunication Union Radio Communication Sector
India’s National Strategy: Bharat 6G Vision
India unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document in March 2023. Its core goals are:
- Design, develop, and deploy 6G technologies indigenously
- Ensure ubiquitous, intelligent, and secure connectivity
- Provide high-quality digital experiences for citizens
- Position India as a global leader in 6G by 2030
Government Initiatives to Drive 6G
The government has already taken multiple steps to prepare India’s ecosystem for 6G.
| Initiative | Launched/Details | Purpose | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 5G Labs | Set up in academic institutions nationwide | Capacity building, research, and nurturing a 6G-ready ecosystem | Fully operational |
| Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) | Launched on 1 October 2022 | To fund R&D and innovation in telecom, including 6G | 104 projects approved (worth ₹275.88 crore) till 31 July 2025 |
| Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) | An alliance of industry, academia, national research institutes, and standards bodies | To implement the Bharat 6G Vision and collaborate globally | MoUs signed with leading global 6G alliances |
These initiatives are designed to ensure that India is not just a consumer of 6G but a major global contributor to its development.
Expanded Rewrite of the TIH Section
As part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) has been set up at the IIITB-Comet Foundation, hosted by the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT Bangalore).
This hub is exclusively dedicated to the technology vertical “Advanced Communication Systems”, making it a central node for cutting-edge telecom R&D in India. The TIH is currently:
- Focusing on breakthrough technologies such as Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS).
- Advancing research in Open-RAN (O-RAN) Massive MIMO systems.
- Working on integrated communication and sensing capabilities.
The objective is not only to enhance coverage and capacity but also to create India-led innovations that can shape global 6G standards. With NM-ICPS backing, the hub is designed to bridge academia, start-ups, and industry, ensuring that cutting-edge research translates into practical, deployable 6G technologies.
Author
