India joins US-led 6G initiative with 25 countries: What new global alliance means for the future of internet and wireless connectivity

India has joined a US-led global partnership aimed at speeding up the development of secure and reliable 6G wireless networks, the US Department of Commerce has said.

The initiative brings together India, the US and 24 other countries, including the UK, Germany and Japan. The partnership is focused on coordinating national 6G strategies well ahead of the technology’s expected rollout, with 6G networks likely to start replacing 5G systems in the 2030s.

India joins 25-nation 6G initiative

Announcing India’s inclusion in the partnership, the US Department of Commerce said the participating countries want to ensure that the next generation of wireless networks supports security, competitiveness and innovation.


“Today, we are pleased to announce that India has joined the US and 24 other countries in the effort to ensure that next-generation networks reflect our shared security interests, strengthen our competitiveness, and drive innovation in 6G,” the department said in a post on X on Monday.

The move comes as countries around the world are stepping up efforts to shape the technology, standards and security framework that will underpin future 6G networks.

US, India discuss future of 6G technology

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and India’s Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada discussed the future of 6G during the G20 Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, last week.

Prasada said the partnership could play an important role in shaping the global digital ecosystem.

“India's joint effort with the United States and 24 other countries to promote innovation and competition in 6G technology will give a new direction to the global digital landscape,” Prasada said in a post on X.

What is the US-led 6G initiative?

The US launched its “Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security” in July, with backing from 24 other countries across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.

The initiative is being led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which comes under the US Department of Commerce. It aims to advance the objectives outlined in US President Donald Trump’s December 2025 Presidential Memorandum, titled “Winning the 6G Race”.

The memorandum described 6G networks as important to US national security, foreign policy and economic prosperity.

India’s 6G plans target 2030

India has already laid out its ambitions for the next generation of wireless technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released India’s 6G Vision document on March 22, 2023.

The vision aims to position India as a frontline contributor to the design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.

With India now joining the US-led international effort, the country will be part of wider discussions on 6G innovation, competition and security as governments prepare for the next phase of wireless connectivity.


Inputs from agencies