Summary:
The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) is being held in Baku to set global priorities for digital connectivity, and India is showcasing its massive digital transformation—highlighting 1.2 billion telecom subscribers, a near-universal 5G rollout, and strong digital public infrastructure. In short, WTDC-25 is shaping global telecom policy, and India is positioning itself as a leading voice in digital inclusion, innovation, and secure connectivity.
The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), organized by the ITU-D, is taking place in Baku from November 17–28, focusing on global strategies to expand affordable, universal telecom access. Simply put, WTDC-25 aims to guide how countries will improve digital connectivity and close the digital divide—especially for developing nations.
At the conference, India has emerged as a major global contributor, presenting its extraordinary digital growth story. The Indian delegation highlighted how the country now supports 1.2 billion telecom connections, 1 billion internet users, and 1.4 billion digital identities, enabled by rapid 4G expansion and a nationwide 5G rollout that already covers 99% of districts. These achievements form one of the largest and fastest digital transformations in the world.
India also emphasized the need for strong cross-border cybersecurity frameworks, recognizing that global digital collaboration must be secure and inclusive. WTDC-25 will play a key role in shaping worldwide policies for ICT development, infrastructure investment, innovation, and digital safety.
The Indian delegation at WTDC-25 consists of several top leaders and experts, including:
- Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development
- Revathi Mannepalli, Member of the ITU-R Radio Regulatory Board
- Avinash Agarwal, DDG (International Relations), DoT
- Bharat B Bhatia, President, ITU-APT Foundation of India
- Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO & Chairman, C-DOT
- Sandeep Gupta, Director (International Relations), DoT
They showcased India’s decade-long digital revolution—marked by expanded digital infrastructure, fintech leadership, rapid broadband penetration through BharatNet, and innovation ecosystems powered by startups, telemedicine, AI, and e-governance services. India also highlighted the India AI Mission, which aims to make the country a global leader in safe, scalable AI innovation.
With its scale, reforms, and digital public infrastructure, India has positioned itself as a global model for digital inclusion and technology-driven development, making a strong impact at WTDC-25.
