India Outlines Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future at WTDC-25

Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar addressed the High-Level Segment of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku on 17 November 2025. He articulated India’s vision for a sustainable, secure, and inclusive global digital future.

Civilizational Ethos and Global Cooperation

• Reaffirmed Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — as India’s guiding philosophy in global digital governance.
• Highlighted India’s long-standing partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) dating back to 1869.

Showcasing India’s Digital Transformation

• India has emerged as one of the world’s most connected societies:
  • 1.2 billion telecom subscribers
  • 1 billion internet users
  • 1.4 billion digital identities (Aadhaar ecosystem)
• Emphasized India’s $4.8 billion last-mile 4G expansion programme.
• Noted that India achieved the world’s fastest 5G rollout, now covering 99% of districts.

WTDC: Global Forum for Digital Development

• The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is convened by the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D).
• It sets global priorities for telecommunications development, digital connectivity, and bridging the global digital divide.