India and the United Kingdom have jointly announced the launch of the India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC), aimed at promoting digital inclusion and fostering a secure, innovative, and resilient communication ecosystem across both countries.

The initiative, part of the strategic partnership between India and the UK, was unveiled during the ninth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 — Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology event — held in New Delhi.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister highlighted key innovations emerging from Indian startups in areas such as quantum communication, 6G technology, and financial fraud prevention. He also noted that India’s success in the telecom sector has been amplified by a sixfold increase in electronics production and a 28-fold rise in mobile manufacturing since 2014, reflecting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Features of the Centre

The new centre will operate under the UK–India Technology Security Initiative and will be jointly implemented by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The CIC aims to bring together expertise from both nations in advanced technology and connectivity — linking cutting-edge university research with lab testing, field trials, and market development pathways.

Over the next four years, the centre will focus on three strategic areas:

1. Transforming telecom with AI

2. Developing non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

3. Enhancing telecom cybersecurity

Both governments have committed an initial joint investment of €24 million (approximately ₹250 crore), distributed evenly over four years. The funding will support applied research, foster academic and industry partnerships, establish joint testbeds, and promote participation in global standard-setting for emerging telecommunication technologies.