India has joined a US-led 6G initiative involving 25 countries, bringing the country into an international effort to coordinate next-generation wireless strategies before 6G networks are expected to begin replacing 5G systems in the 2030s.
The US Department of Commerce announced India’s inclusion in the partnership, saying the participating countries want future networks to support shared security interests, strengthen competitiveness and encourage innovation. The announcement was made on Monday through a post on X.
“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.
The partnership includes the United States, India and 24 other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. It is intended to help governments align national approaches to 6G technology, standards and security well ahead of commercial deployment.
India’s entry followed discussions between US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and India’s Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada during the G20 Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, last week. Prasada said the cooperation could influence the direction of 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.
The US launched its “Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security” in July with support 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, an agency under the US Department of Commerce.
According to the department, the initiative is aligned with the objectives of a December 2025 presidential memorandum titled “Winning the 6G Race”. The memorandum identified 6G networks as significant to US national security, foreign policy and economic prosperity.
India has separately established its own 6G goals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the country’s 6G Vision document on March 22, 2023, with an ambition to position India as a frontline contributor to the design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
The new partnership places those domestic ambitions within a wider international discussion on wireless innovation, competition and network security. The announcement does not specify a commercial rollout date, funding commitment or individual 6G projects for India. The participating countries are expected to continue coordinating their approaches as preparations for the next generation of wireless connectivity develop.
