Summary:
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has launched the revised TDIP Scheme with an outlay of Rs 203 crore for 2026–31 to strengthen India’s role in global telecom standardization and accelerate the development of indigenous 5G Advanced and 6G technologies. The initiative supports participation in international bodies like ITU, 3GPP, and oneM2M, while offering financial assistance for global engagement and standard-setting activities. Expanded to include startups, MSMEs, academia, and industry players, the scheme also funds pilot projects and technology demonstrations to speed up commercialization. Implemented through key telecom organizations, it aligns with initiatives like TTDF and the Bharat 6G Mission, aiming to position India as a global leader in next-generation telecom innovation.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Wednesday announced the updated Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme, allocating Rs 203 crore for the 2026–31 period. The initiative is designed to enhance India’s participation in global telecom standard-setting processes and speed up the development of homegrown technologies in 5G Advanced and 6G. The launch was attended by Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, along with Secretary (Telecommunications) and Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission, Amit Agrawal.
Enhancing India’s Presence in Global Telecom Standards
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Communications on April 22, 2026, the revised TDIP guidelines are intended to strengthen India’s involvement in international telecom standardization and promote the advancement of indigenous telecom technologies.
The scheme focuses on increasing India’s participation and influence in major global standard-setting organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3GPP, and oneM2M. It offers financial assistance to Indian stakeholders for attending international meetings, submitting technical proposals, taking on leadership roles in study groups, and hosting global standardization events within the country.
Through these efforts, the initiative aims to boost India’s role in shaping global telecom standards and support the inclusion of domestic technologies within internationally recognised frameworks. It also seeks to transition India from being a contributor to becoming a global standard-setter, while encouraging intellectual property creation, expanding export opportunities, and improving the competitiveness of locally developed telecom solutions.
Broader Inclusion Across the Ecosystem
The updated guidelines widen the scheme’s scope to cover startups, MSMEs, academic institutions, research bodies, telecom service providers, and industry participants. This broader inclusion is intended to encourage stronger collaboration and innovation across the ecosystem. Additionally, the scheme will fund pilot projects, proof-of-concept studies, and technology demonstrations to help move innovations more quickly from research stages to commercial use.
Structured Implementation Mechanism
Execution of the scheme will be handled by organisations such as the Telecommunications Standards Development Society India, Telecom Centres of Excellence India, and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited. These bodies will support coordination, capacity development, efficient resource use, and engagement with industry stakeholders.
Driving Innovation and Global Competitiveness
The Ministry of Communications noted that the TDIP Scheme aligns with other initiatives of the Department of Telecommunications, including the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) and the Bharat 6G Mission, forming a comprehensive approach to next-generation telecom research, development, and deployment.
The release of the revised TDIP guidelines represents a key step toward strengthening India’s role in global telecom standardization and accelerating the growth of indigenous next-generation technologies. The scheme is expected to play an important role in establishing India as a leading force in 6G and future communication technologies.
