New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom on Friday announced a landmark strategic partnership to advance digital inclusion and shape the future of secure and innovative communications. The two nations unveiled the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a joint platform designed to harness their complementary strengths in advanced connectivity and telecommunications research.
With a combined investment of £24 million over four years, the initiative will bring together leading universities, research institutions and industry partners from both countries to accelerate innovations in next-generation communication technologies.
The Centre will focus on three key areas shaping the future of global telecom:
- Transforming telecom with AI, by using advanced artificial intelligence tools to optimise networks, improve efficiency, and unlock new digital services.
- Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), by developing satellite and airborne systems to extend high-speed connectivity to remote and rural regions.
- Telecoms cybersecurity, by enhancing network resilience and developing open, interoperable solutions for secure communication systems.
Officials said the partnership comes at a crucial moment as the world prepares for the rollout of 6G technologies. By linking cutting-edge research with lab testing, field trials, and market deployment, the Centre aims to create new commercial opportunities for businesses and startups while strengthening global standards collaboration.
Delivered under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, jointly managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Centre represents a flagship project under the UK-India Research and Innovation Corridor.
The announcement aligns with the Prime Minister-Prime Minister 2035 Vision, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to drive secure, inclusive, and sustainable technological growth.