India's Strategic Move in Shaping 6G Standards with the US and Global Partners

India is taking a significant step by partnering with the US and 24 other nations to establish standards for 6G networks. This collaboration will allow India to influence key aspects of mobile technology, moving from a consumer to a co-author of the rules that will shape the future. The initiative, announced during a meeting between Union Minister Jitin Prasada and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, aims to enhance India's role in global technology development, particularly in areas like network security and AI. With a target deployment by 2030, this strategic move positions India to play a crucial role in the next generation of wireless communication.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 10, 2026, 16:26 IST

India's Role in 6G Development

File image of Union minister of state Jitin Prasada and US Commerce Secretary

(Photo: @MENAFN/X)

New Delhi, Sep 10: India is set to collaborate with the United States and 24 other nations to establish standards and security protocols for the upcoming 6G networks, positioning New Delhi as a key player in shaping the regulations, spectrum policies, and trust frameworks for the 2030s, according to a recent report.

The analysis from India Narrative indicates that India is transitioning from merely being a significant consumer of mobile technology to actively participating in the creation of the rules, architectures, and trust frameworks that will define the next decade.

This decision was revealed following a meeting between Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during the G20 Innovation Ministerial, which will empower Indian researchers, operators, chip designers, and startups to influence spectrum policies, security standards, and interoperability from the outset, rather than making adjustments later.

India's early involvement is crucial, as countries that contribute to the establishment of standards often secure a larger share of patents and market opportunities in equipment.

India has officially joined the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security, a framework that encompasses network security, interoperability, resilience, and trusted AI.

The report noted that the language from Washington was notably clear, emphasizing the aim to ensure that 6G aligns with “shared security interests,” while also enhancing competitiveness and fostering innovation.

With formal technical work on 6G anticipated to ramp up by 2027 and India’s 'Bharat 6G Alliance' aiming for deployment by 2030, the timing of this coalition is deemed critical.

6G is expected to facilitate the transmission of much more than just voice and video, serving as a foundation for industrial control systems, autonomous logistics, defense-related sensing, and the AI workloads currently managed by Indian data centers.

The report highlighted that aligning with partners who prioritize trusted vendors, supply-chain integrity, and AI integration as fundamental design considerations is a strategic necessity.

During his discussion with Lutnick, Prasada advocated for increased US involvement in India’s Semiconductor Mission 2.0, a more robust AI technology partnership, and a practical framework for AI safeguards.

India’s extensive digital public infrastructure, its ambitions in fabrication and design, along with its software expertise, positions it to contribute significantly, beyond just being a large market for products.