New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi in the national capital. On his arrival, the Prime Minister was felicitated by Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking at the session, Scindia said the Prime Minister has always insisted that technology must reach not only the last village but every single citizen of the country.
He noted that one GB of data cost Rs 268 in 2014. Twelve years later, it costs only Rs 8, making it the cheapest data capability in the world. Average monthly data usage per customer stood at 0.26 MB in 2014 and has grown 140 times to 36 GB per individual across the country. Scindia said every drop in cost and every rise in usage has expanded the space in which every Indian can connect, create and innovate.
He added that the 2026 edition of India Mobile Congress will showcase the digital capabilities of the nation. Demonstrations will highlight the depth and strength of the technological ecosystem, covering digital platforms, life-saving cell broadcasts, AI leadership, free 6G networks, sovereign clouds, terahertz communication and integrated sensing and communication.
The Bharat 6G Alliance, which emerged as part of the Bharat 6G Vision Platform, involves 90 institutions and collaborations with institutions across the globe. It has established 7,700 patents, including 4,400 international patents.
The four key pillars of IMC 2026 are Srishti: Building the Future; Samvardhan: Fueling Growth; Sashakt: Expanding Opportunities; and Suraksha: Strengthening Trust. The event will focus on innovation and next-generation digital infrastructure, technology-led economic growth, inclusive digital access, and the development of secure and resilient digital ecosystems.
IMC 2026 will bring together global technology leaders, policymakers, industry experts, startups, investors and innovators to explore emerging opportunities across the digital ecosystem.
The 2026 edition will cover nine established anchor sectors: 5G and 6G, next-generation AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cyber security, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy and ESG, and electronics manufacturing. It will also expand its sectoral focus to four new domains — smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics and transport technology.
The event is expected to attract more than 1.5 lakh attendees from over 100 countries, with participation from more than 500 partners and exhibitors, over 600 startups and more than 900 thought leaders. It will feature more than 2,000 technology use cases and over 120 sessions.
