India to Operate Entirely on 5G by 2026, Indigenous 6G Development Underway: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, February 21, 2025 — Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that India is set to become a fully 5G-enabled nation by the end of 2026. Speaking at the India-Israel Business Forum in New Delhi, Goyal emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing telecom connectivity and revealed that efforts are already underway to develop indigenous 6G technology.
“By the end of 2026, the entire country will be functioning solely on 5G,” Goyal stated. “We have already begun developing our own 6G technology to ensure India remains at the forefront of global telecom innovation.”
India, the world’s second-largest telecom market with over 1.15 billion mobile subscribers, has been rapidly expanding its digital infrastructure. The country also boasts more than 500 million internet users, making it one of the largest internet markets globally. The rollout of 5G and the development of 6G technology are expected to further accelerate India’s digital transformation, enabling faster connectivity, enhanced industrial automation, and improved access to services in rural and urban areas alike.
Goyal’s announcement comes as part of the government’s broader vision to position India as a global leader in technology and innovation. The development of indigenous 6G technology is seen as a strategic move to reduce dependency on foreign technology and foster self-reliance in the telecom sector.
Industry experts have welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential for 5G and 6G to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. The move is also expected to create new opportunities for startups and businesses, further boosting India’s economy.
As India gears up for a 5G-powered future, the focus on 6G underscores the nation’s ambition to stay ahead in the global tech race. With the government’s proactive approach and the industry’s collaborative efforts, India is poised to become a hub for cutting-edge telecom innovation.
