New Delhi: India and the European Union have reinforced their strategic partnership in next-generation digital technologies, emphasizing secure 6G telecommunications, resilient telecom supply chains, and trusted digital infrastructure. The commitment was highlighted in the Leaders’ Statement during the visit of EU President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners to India from February 27–28, 2025.
Strategic Collaboration Under India–EU TTC
The Leaders emphasized the importance of advanced and emerging technologies under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), welcoming enhanced collaboration in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and global standards development. The joint efforts aim to ensure interoperable, secure, and future-ready networks while promoting openness, innovation, and resilience in global telecom systems.
Bharat 6G Alliance and EU Partners
The Bharat 6G Alliance, a coalition of domestic industry, academia, and research institutions, and the EU’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G SNS IA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to align research priorities for 6G technologies. This cooperation covers network architecture, use cases, global standards, and joint research and development to advance secure, trusted, and interoperable 6G networks.
Both sides highlighted the significance of standardisation, testing, and research to ensure 6G technologies are developed as a global public good. The collaboration aligns with India’s national 6G vision led by the Department of Telecommunications, positioning India as a global contributor and leader in 6G innovation.
Towards 2030: Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
During the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, 2026, the “Towards 2030: A Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” was endorsed. The agenda emphasizes mutual experience-sharing on secure digital infrastructure, trusted telecommunications ecosystems, and resilient networks. The strategic framework strengthens cooperation in research, innovation, and policy development across India and EU stakeholders, ensuring secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital growth.
Global 6G Leadership and Innovation
At the International Bharat 6G Symposium 2025, held alongside India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, global alliances including Bharat 6G, 6GIA, and ATIS’ Next G Alliance issued the “New Delhi Declaration” to shape 6G as a global public good. The joint commitment reinforces India–EU collaboration in research, development, and adoption of secure, next-generation networks.
These efforts highlight India and EU’s shared focus on secure, interoperable, and sustainable digital infrastructure to benefit citizens, industry, and the international community.
