India has joined a United States-led global initiative with 24 other countries to steer the development and deployment of next-generation 6G telecommunications networks. The move aims to help shape future telecom standards while ensuring that emerging networks support shared security interests, improve global competitiveness and encourage innovation.

The US Department of Commerce announced India’s participation on Monday. The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial. The two sides discussed the future of 6G and ways to strengthen technology cooperation between India and the United States.

"Secretary Lutnick met with Indian Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial to discuss the future of 6G. Today, we are pleased to announce that India has joined the U.S. 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 US Department of Commerce wrote in a post on X.

The announcement came shortly after the Prasada-led Indian delegation attended the G20 Innovation Ministers’ meeting held on September 1 and 2 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the United States. The US Department of Commerce and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy hosted the meeting.

According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Prasada was accompanied by Ajit Kumar, Joint Secretary at MeitY. Senior officials from MeitY, the Department of Science and Technology and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade also joined the delegation. Officials from the Embassy of India in the US were part of the team as well.

The G20 Innovation Ministerial concluded with the release of an Innovation Ministerial Statement. The statement recognised the role of emerging technologies in supporting economic and social development. It noted that “emerging technologies have the potential to unlock prosperity, enhance productivity, and expand opportunity for all our peoples.”

During the G20 meeting, Prasada also held several bilateral discussions with representatives from other countries. In a key meeting with Lutnick, the two sides discussed cooperation in areas that are becoming increasingly important to the global digital economy.

The discussions covered semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centres. Prasada also encouraged greater US investment in India’s ISM2.0 programme. He proposed strengthening the AI technology partnership between the two countries. He also shared a mechanism for Artificial Intelligence safeguards.

Prasada highlighted the importance of these areas in a post on X following his meeting with Lutnick. "Semiconductors. AI. Data centres. These are critical building blocks of the emerging digital economy," Prasada stated on X.

He said the two countries also explored practical ways to expand cooperation and create more technology-led opportunities. Prasada added, "In my bilateral discussion with Mr Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce, we exchanged views on strengthening cooperation across these areas and advancing technology-led opportunities between India and the United States," and "Thanked the US G20 Presidency for the warm hospitality."

India’s participation in the 6G initiative marks another step in its efforts to play a larger role in setting the direction of emerging technologies. The initiative brings together countries that want future telecommunications networks to address security concerns while supporting innovation and competitiveness.

Renewed interest in 6G comes as countries gear up for the next stage of wireless communication, which is crucial for connected devices, artificial intelligence, data-driven services and advanced digital infrastructure. By joining the global alliance, India can contribute towards the framework for future networks.

The broader discussions during Prasada’s US visit also reflected India’s growing engagement with key technologies. The government is seeking stronger international partnerships in fields such as AI, semiconductors, digital public infrastructure, robotics and advanced telecommunications.

The meetings also highlighted India’s focus on turning technological progress into practical opportunities. The government said such partnerships can support innovation, economic growth and better quality of life for citizens. India’s participation in the 6G initiative with the US and 24 other countries further strengthens its position in the global technology and innovation landscape.