Sanjeev Kakkar’s Post

Dear Sanjeev Kakkar Sir, Your article provides an insightful analysis of the need to build domestic capabilities in mobile technologies like 4G, 5G, and future 6G to secure national interests and strengthen global competitiveness. It thoroughly examines the effectiveness of policies like Preference to Make in India (PPP-MII) and initiatives like Make in India, emphasizing their impact on MSMEs, domestic manufacturing, and the broader telecom ecosystem. A few key highlights from your article are as follows: 1. Importance of Domestic Innovation and Market Access Need for Long-Term Planning: Developing comprehensive procurement strategies to provide clarity and direction for domestic stakeholders, including startups, academia, and MSMEs. BSNL as a Catalyst: Utilizing BSNL's deployment of indigenously developed 4G technology as a foundation for future initiatives. 2. Challenges in PPP-MII Implementation Turnkey Model's Limitations: The current procurement model under USOF projects often marginalizes domestic manufacturers, favoring foreign products. Lack of Enforcement: The absence of stringent compliance mechanisms under PPP-MII hinders its goals of boosting local manufacturing. 3. Make in India Initiative – Progress and Gaps Positive Outcomes: Growth in mobile phone exports, job creation, and reduced reliance on imports indicate significant progress under the initiative. Challenges for MSMEs: Limited market access and financial constraints continue to restrict the participation of smaller players in the telecom sector. 4. Role of Strategic Policies in Telecom Sector Growth Focus Areas for Policy Revision: Incorporating mandatory local content requirements, and scaling homegrown technologies. Cultivating National Champions: Supporting MSMEs and startups through mentorship, financial incentives, and partnerships with larger corporations to drive R&D and innovation. 5. Proposed Measures Independent Oversight: Establishing bodies to monitor compliance with domestic procurement policies and calculating local value addition. Transparency: Publishing regular progress reports for initiatives like Make in India and PPP-MII. Simplifying Processes: Making it easier for MSMEs to participate in government tenders and procurement projects. In Summary, your article comprehensively outlines the challenges and opportunities in strengthening India’s telecom sector. While initiatives like Make in India and PPP-MII have laid a strong foundation, the success of these programs depends on addressing systemic barriers, particularly those affecting MSMEs. To achieve self-reliance and global leadership in next-generation technologies, decisive government action is necessary to enforce procurement policies, support domestic innovation, and foster a level playing field. Thank you for such an enlightening piece that not only highlights critical gaps but also offers practical solutions for India’s path toward telecom self-sufficiency. Warm regards

In this exclusive and comprehensive interaction with Niranjan Mudholkar of The Manufacturing Frontier, Tilak Raj Dua, Director General, DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION (#DIPA) spells out a full-fledged road map towards realizing the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) in the crucial #telecomsector. "The ₹3,400 crore investment attracted by the #TelecomPLI scheme is note-worthy and demonstrates the scheme’s effectiveness in stimulating growth in the sector. This level of #investment indicates strong confidence in India’s #telecommanufacturing potential and the government’s #supportivepolicies. Foreign investment is playing a crucial role in driving #domesticinnovation in India’s telecom sector. It brings advanced #technologies and #processes, helping Indian firms upgrade their capabilities. Collaboration with global players enhances the #skills of the local #workforce. Foreign investments should come with commitments to set up R&D centres, fostering innovation. The presence of global players motivates domestic companies to innovate and improve their offerings. Moreover, Indian companies get opportunities to become part of #globalsupplychain network. While the investment and its impact on innovation are positive, it’s important to ensure that domestic companies aren’t overshadowed. Balancing #foreigninvestment with the growth of #indigenouscapabilities will be key to long-term success. The government should continue to support local R&D efforts and startups to maintain a healthy ecosystem of both foreign and domestic innovation," Mr. Dua explains. Sahil Verma

According to the Economic Survey of India 2023-24, India is amongst the fastest growing 5G networks in the world, and its international rank on mobile broadband speeds has decreased from 118 to 15 in March 2024, post the launch of 5G services. The survey highlighted that the telecom technology development requires significantly large and patient capital for research and development (R&D), commercialisation and to bolster India’s position in the global telecom sector. To address this, the government has decided to allocate 5 per cent annual collections from the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to fund R&D in the telecom sector, which is the gateway to accelerate the development of future technologies. Know more here: https://lnkd.in/gyPmpUMq #India5G #5GRevolution #DigitalIndia #TelecomGrowth #EconomicSurvey #MobileBroadband #TelecomInnovation #TechDevelopment #USOF #TeleDensity #OpticalFibre #ConnectedIndia #StartupIndia #MSME #PLIScheme #ElectronicExports #iPhoneManufacturing #DigitalEconomy #TelecomLeadership

INDIAN ECONOMY UPDATE Minister of Communications and Development of Northeastern Region Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, addressing the 51st AIMA National Management Convention, outlined India’s ambitious goals in the telecommunications sector. Following the rapid deployment of its 5G network, India aims to secure 10% of global patents in 6G technology through the newly established Bharat 6G Alliance. He highlighted India’s significant progress, including developing indigenous 4G technology for BSNL and constructing 4.5 lakh 4G towers within 22 months. He also emphasized India's rise as a major global player, noting its position as the second-largest mobile phone producer worldwide. He detailed 3 key targets: achieving comprehensive digital connectivity across the country, advancing the Make in India initiative through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and developing future-ready technologies. The government has committed US$ 714.7 million (Rs. 6,000 crore) to connect nearly 6,000 villages in the northeast and US$ 5.24 billion (Rs. 44,000 crore) to further infrastructure development. Scindia also announced upcoming reforms in the Post Office and Telecom Act, promising a transformative shift by December.

#TelecomePLIRevamp #IndustryUpdates #TelecomMSMEs #MadeInIndiaTelecomEquipment The Govt of India plans to revamp the PLI scheme for the telecom sector with increased allocation from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 2,500 crore, towards boosting exports, setting up a full-scale telecom manufacturing ecosystem and incorporating more MSMEs. #TelecomExports - Indian companies have exported Rs 25200 crores worth of telecom equipment and accessories last year. The majority of 5G demands are being met by Indian companies and Made in India. Domestic companies like -Tejas Networks, Lekha Wireless, VVDN (these 3 companies are the PLI beneficiaries) -Astrome, WiSig, Signalchip (these companies are DCIS beneficiaries) are exporting and setting their foot in western nations – especially in USA. Astrome is exporting E Band technology for 50bn Rural backhaul program. WiSig ORAN network is under test at Virginia University. VVDN has setup offices at 3 locations in USA – Vermont, Austin and NY and is already serving clients like #CISCO, #Maveneir and #TESLA. Further, 31 startups participated in MWC USA and Spain and developed business leads for around $100mn (source #PIB). As per #ElectronicsB2B (https://lnkd.in/gk8zdEDN) - the scheme mandates a minimum investment threshold of Rs 10 crore for MSMEs and Rs 100 crore for non-MSME applicants, excluding land and building costs. Eligibility also hinges on higher sales of manufactured goods compared to the base year (FY20).

Maharaja Agrasen Institute Of Technology, Delhi, India’s apex industry body empowering IT, #Telecom, and #ElectronicsHardware, has presented its recommendations to the Government of India (GoI) regarding the Indian #ElectronicsIndustry. The goal is to make India an integral part of #GlobalValueChains (GVCs). Let’s delve into the key points from MAIT’s industry suggestions: #electronicsnewsn #technologynews

Transforming industries and enhancing lives, #NewIndia is spearheading economic growth and technological innovation as the 3rd largest digitalised country globally. Find out more at: http://bit.ly/it_bpm_02 #InvestIndia #InvestInIndia #Manufacturing #InformationTechnology #DigitalIndia #DigitalEconomy Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India NITI Aayog Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Digital India Programme INDIAai

India Plans ₹44,000-Crore Boost to Become Electronics Powerhouse: Report Exciting developments in India's tech landscape! The government has announced a massive ₹44,000-crore initiative aimed at transforming India into a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse. This ambitious plan is set to enhance infrastructure, boost innovation, and create numerous job opportunities in the sector. Key highlights of the initiative include: Infrastructure Development: Significant investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. Research and Innovation: Increased funding for R&D to foster cutting-edge technology. Skill Development: Comprehensive programs to train and upskill the workforce. Global Competitiveness: Incentives and support for both domestic and international companies to set up operations in India. This strategic move is expected to accelerate India's growth in the electronics sector, driving economic progress and positioning the country as a key player on the global stage. https://lnkd.in/eypHK-TS 🔹 #IndiaElectronics #TechInnovation #EconomicGrowth #Manufacturing #GovernmentInitiatives #SkillDevelopment #GlobalTech 📢 Join the Movement! How do you see this initiative shaping India's future in electronics manufacturing? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on this transformative journey!

#India #ElectronicsManufacturing #ActionPlan India’s $500 billion opportunity — and how not to lose it Reading this insightful post on Emerging Electronics Manufacturing Sector and what the country needs to do fast. Key takeaways : The government already realises that much of this growth will have to be export-led, as statements by the minister of electronics and information technology have made clear. However, while achieving export competitiveness at scale is the right strategy, executing it is no mean task. How can we do it, especially given our legacy ecosystem that has proven so resistant to reforms Studying successful regions around the world reveals three key factors for success — large size with anchor investors, customised regulations to suit export activity and devolution of administrative power down to the industrial park level. Large size is essential for competitiveness. Shenzhen, a Chinese special region, which alone exports around $350 billion, is 2,000 sq km, while the largest Indian electronics cluster, under the government’s Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) scheme, is 2.5 sq km. Large size helps in co-locating suppliers and buyers, which is important for ecosystem competitiveness. It also helps invest in large, efficient shared industrial infrastructure like effluent plants and testing facilities that lower costs for everyone. Large zones make it possible to have social infrastructure like worker housing, schools, hospitals and recreation facilities. These regions need a regulatory environment that is conducive to exports and comparable to the best manufacturing regions. The priority would be pro-employment labour laws — allowing longer shifts, globally competitive over-time rules and removing restrictions on employing women, who make up a majority of electronics workers. https://lnkd.in/gEYu_w7m

Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD, NICDC had a fruitful meeting with Hiroshi Hashimoto San, Corporate Executive Vice President, NEC Corporation, Japan. Explored the future areas of collaboration between NEC Corporation and National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). Further, discussed the strong Indo-Japan bond that significantly contributes to India’s growth. NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDS), a joint venture between #NEC & #NICDIT, was established in 2015 to track and trace EXIM containers in India. This collaboration is further strengthened by jointly working on #ULIP, a single-window interface platform for end-to-end integration of India’s complex logistics ecosystem processes. NEC Corporation, Japan acknowledges India as one of the largest upcoming markets for next-gen technology adoption and has the capability to develop innovative technologies for the world. Looking forward to fruitful collaborations. Government of India Official | Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | EoDB_India, GoI | Make In India | Invest India | India Investment Grid | Sibi George | Japan - The Government of Japan | Embassy of Japan | Embassy of India | DMIC Integrated Industrial Township Greater Noida Limited | AURIC | DICDL - Dholera Industrial City Development Limited | Japan Bank for International Cooperation | Logistics Division, MOCI #NICDC #IndustrialDevelopment #india #dpiit #smartcities #PMGatiShakti #AtmanirbharBharat #greenfieldsmartcities #development #plugandplay #industries #industrialcorridor #AmritKaal #ViksitBharat #IndiaReimagined #IndiaInvestments #ExploreOpportunities #InvestmentInsights #BusinessExpansion #CollaborationPartner #TradeAndInvestment #GlobalPartnership #TradeRelations #InvestInIndia #InvestTogether #UnlockOpportunities #NICDCInJapan