New Delhi, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi on October 8, 2026. During his address, he emphasized the evolving role of mobile phones in the telecom sector and their significance in the Digital India initiative.
Modi stated that over the past decade, mobile phones have transcended their original purpose as mere communication devices. They have become vital tools for good governance, forming the core of India’s vision for a digital future. He noted that essential reforms in the telecom sector have been implemented, leading to significant infrastructure expansion. The focus has been on manufacturing mobile phones and other telecom hardware within India, enhancing access for ordinary citizens and improving their quality of life.
He pointed out that a decade ago, the digital divide posed a considerable challenge in India. Modern technology was becoming a privilege accessible only to those with resources. The Digital India campaign aimed to change this narrative by democratizing technology, with mobile phones at the forefront. This effort has ensured uninterrupted access to education, health services, and government services, even in remote villages, allowing underprivileged children to access quality knowledge and digital learning.
The Prime Minister explained that mobile phones are no longer just for making calls or chatting. They have reduced travel, minimized wait times, and lowered costs while enhancing convenience. This, he argued, is the primary benefit of technology directly impacting people’s lives.
Modi highlighted the transformation brought about by digital governance. Hundreds of government services are now available via mobile phones, and direct benefit transfers have ensured that approximately ₹5 lakh crore has been saved from falling into the wrong hands. He asserted that under previous systems, such leakage would have been inevitable.
In the last decade, India’s telecom infrastructure has expanded significantly, with towers installed in remote areas and unprecedented growth in optical fiber networks. This expansion has led to the emergence of new economic sectors, increasing the number of consumers in technology, entertainment, and education, and fostering a new generation of creators.
The Prime Minister cited the gaming sector as an example, noting that over 500 million people in India are now connected to gaming in some form, with a significant number being youth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. These individuals are not only participating in gaming but also competing in e-sports, creating gaming content, and establishing new gaming businesses. He emphasized that mobile phones have evolved into both gaming consoles and creative studios.
As telecom and digital technologies gain importance, Modi stressed the need to strengthen the security framework associated with these advancements. He acknowledged the challenges posed by deepfakes and underscored the necessity of developing a global framework to address these issues.
Finally, the Prime Minister remarked that India has transitioned from being a consumer to a creator. The nation is now progressing toward a goal where products, designs, technologies, and intellectual property are developed domestically.
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