India’s Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that telecom companies have invested ₹2,419 crore (approximately $320 million) in the country under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, resulting in the employment of 17,753 people. He made this announcement during the virtual inauguration of a production line for manufacturing 4G and 5G connectivity modules and data cards at domestic firm VVDN Technologies.
Vaishnaw stated that the telecom sector had achieved a significant milestone with PLI-supported companies making substantial investments. He highlighted key figures related to this initiative, including total investment, sales generated, exports, and employment. The minister also praised the success of the “Make in India” initiative, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing and its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Additionally, Vaishnaw emphasized the quality and global acceptance of Indian-made telecom equipment. He noted that products manufactured in India are exported to countries such as the United States, European nations, and Japan, highlighting the high standards and quality of these products.
Regarding 5G technology, Vaishnaw mentioned that India had launched 5G last year, and within a short period, the country had become the third-largest ecosystem for 5G in the world. He commended the rapid progress and the country’s contribution to the global 5G landscape.
Looking ahead, Vaishnaw mentioned that India is actively working on the development and standardization of 6G technology. He noted that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has accepted India’s inputs in the standardization of 6G, and the country aims to position itself as a leading contributor to the 6G journey.
The Indian government’s PLI scheme has played a crucial role in attracting investments, promoting local manufacturing, and fostering growth in various sectors, including telecommunications. The scheme offers financial incentives to companies for manufacturing specified goods in India, with the aim of boosting domestic production, creating jobs, and enhancing exports. The success of this initiative is aligned with the Indian government’s broader “Make in India” campaign, which aims to promote self-reliance and domestic manufacturing across sectors.
