India Joins US-Led Initiative with 24 Nations to Shape Next-Generation 6G Networks

India Partners with US and 24 Nations on 6G Networks Development

India has joined the United States and 24 other countries in a collaborative effort to shape the development and deployment of next-generation 6G telecommunications networks1

1

2

2

. The US-led initiative was formalized following 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 held on September 1-2, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina1

1

. The US Department of Commerce announced on September 8, 2026, that this partnership aims to ensure next-generation networks reflect shared security interests, strengthen competitiveness, and drive innovation in 6G technology2

2

.

Strategic Focus on Security, Competitiveness, and Innovation

The partnership centers on advancing security, competitiveness, and innovation across 6G networks and related technologies2

2

. During the bilateral meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation across semiconductors, AI, and data centers—critical building blocks of the emerging digital economy1

1

. Prasada encouraged the possibility of more US investments in ISM2.0, proposed strengthening AI technology partnership, and shared a mechanism for safeguards for AI1

1

. The Indian delegation included Ajit Kumar, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with senior officials from MeitY, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Embassy of India officials1

1

2

2

.

G20 Ministers Endorse Carolina Principles for Emerging Technologies

At the conclusion of the G20 Innovation Ministerial, ministers released the Innovation Ministerial Statement recognizing that emerging technologies have the potential to unlock prosperity, enhance productivity, and expand opportunity for all peoples1

1

2

2

. The consensus statement articulated shared agreement across six pillars: pro-innovation policy frameworks, technology for opportunity and prosperity, skilled technical workforce development, intellectual property policies for AI, AI for standards and standards for AI, and industrial innovation and investment in supply chains2

2

. Ministers also reached consensus on the Carolina Principles for Emerging Technologies, which call on countries to invest in foundational research, strengthen commercialization pathways, and enable trusted technology adoption and deployment2

2

. Additional deliverables included the AI Prosperity Objectives and the AI Prosperity Compact, aimed at furthering technical workforce development across G20 nations and expanding opportunities for private sector partnership2

2

.

Bilateral Discussions Advance Global Technology and Innovation Cooperation

On the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial, Prasada held several bilateral discussions to advance global technology and innovation cooperation1

1

2

2

. In his meeting with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, both discussed strengthening cooperation in innovation and building trusted digital ecosystems that enable technology-led growth and shared prosperity2

2

. With Anne Le Henanff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs of France, both sides discussed advancing cooperation in AI and digital technologies2

2

. During his meeting with Thomas Jarzombek and Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretaries from Germany, Prasada explored opportunities to deepen India-Germany collaboration in technology, innovation, and research2

2

. In discussions with Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union, the commitment to deepening partnership with Africa was highlighted2

2

. These engagements underscore India's growing role in shaping the global technology and innovation agenda and reaffirm its commitment to building strategic partnerships that translate advances in AI, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies into greater opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its citizens1

1

.