The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), the flagship conference of the ITU’s Development Sector (ITU-D), concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan on 28 November 2025. Held every four years, the conference sets the strategic direction and programme of work for global telecommunications development. WTDC-25 witnessed the participation of around 2,300 delegates, including more than 65 ministers and heads of agencies from across the world.

India’s participation & key highlights

India participated under the leadership of Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, and played a prominent and strategic role throughout the event.

The Union Minister of State delivered India’s High-Level Policy Statement at the ITU’s global platform, articulating India’s priorities on universal connectivity, sustainable digital transformation and the role of emerging technologies in inclusive development.

India assumed significant leadership responsibilities at WTDC-25, with Mr Avinash Agarwal (DDG-IR) serving as Conference Vice-Chair, APT-WTDC-25 Coordination Chair and Chair of the Ad Hoc Group on Digital Transformation and Innovation. India also secured two Vice-Chair positions for the ITU-D Study Groups (2026–29), through Mr Sunil Kumar Singhal and Mr Sandeep Kumar Gupta.

India’s proactive engagement contributed to the successful adoption of 19 APT Common Proposals during the conference, in which India served as lead or assisting lead. The Indian delegation held 11 bilateral meetings at the Ministerial level and interacted with more than 50 countries on areas of mutual interest. India also formally introduced Ms M. Revathi as the Indian candidate for the post of Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR) of the ITU.

Indigenous C-DOT solutions and technologies were promoted through a dedicated exhibition stall, which drew wide interest from participating countries. India participated actively in the Heads of Delegation meetings, contributing to consensus-building and ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of the conference. India also hosted a Networking Reception for Ministers and Heads of Delegations to highlight India’s candidature for the ITU Council (2027–2030) and to introduce Ms M. Revathi’s candidature for Director, BR, ITU.

Digital Transformation and Innovation:

WTDC Resolution 85, 89 & 90 

India made substantial contributions to several major resolutions adopted at WTDC-25. Under Digital Transformation and Innovation, India played a key role in advancing Resolution 85, which promotes the expansion of Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities (SSC&C) to include smart villages, thereby benefiting rural and remote populations. The resolution recognises the importance of IoT and SSC&C as enablers of digital transformation and encourages public–private partnerships, capacity-building initiatives and local context-specific planning using new and emerging telecom/ICTs. Resolutions 89 and 90 further strengthen the ITU-D Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development and the Global Innovation Forum, while promoting strategic foresight, support for local innovators and universal, meaningful connectivity and also to leverage the regional offices to support local innovators and entrepreneurs.

Building Confidence & Security in ICTs

WTDC Resolution 45 & 84

On Building Confidence and Security in ICTs, India guided the strengthening of Resolution 45, which addresses misuse of telecommunications services, including voice spam and caller information manipulation, and emphasises the need for development of tools to enhance cyber security & resilience posture of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Resolution 84 further recognises the growing challenge of mobile device theft, tampering and encourages the sharing of global best practices.

Policy, Regulation, Network and Spectrum:

WTDC Resolution 09 & 62

India also contributed significantly to resolutions on policy, regulation, networks and spectrum. Resolution 09 highlights the importance of flexible regulatory approaches such as sandboxes, spectrum for experimental purposes, support for next-generation technologies including IMT-2030 (6G) and UAVs/drones, and the need to customise ITU’s Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries. Inclusion of guidelines for valuing, awarding and charging for spectrum and National experiences reg frequency surrender and frequency leasing/sharing methods. India also supported enhancements to Resolution 62, which seeks to address public misconceptions regarding EMF exposure, update ITU’s EMF guide on various wireless equipment/sources of EMF and expand public awareness on safe use of wireless devices.

Emergency Telecom/Disaster Management:

WTDC Resolution 34

In the domain of emergency telecommunications and disaster management, India strengthened Resolution 34, which promotes the use of emerging ICT technologies for disaster preparedness, including cell broadcast-based early warning systems (messaging), dissemination of alerts in local languages, GIS-based mapping of telecom infrastructure and regional cooperation for cross-border disaster information.

Environment climate change and circular economy

WTDC Resolution 66

India also contributed to Resolution 66 on environment, climate change and the circular economy, encouraging national strategies to reduce ICT-related carbon footprints, promote e-waste awareness, and strengthen global cooperation in climate-friendly ICT practices.

Diversity and Inclusion

WTDC Resolution 58

On diversity and inclusion, India supported Resolution 58, promoting accessibility and inclusion for older persons and vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

The successful conclusion of WTDC-25 represents a significant step forward for India’s international telecommunications engagement. India’s leadership, technical contributions and constructive diplomacy have further reinforced its position as a key driver of global digital development. As the world moves into the next phase of universal and meaningful connectivity, India’s proactive efforts will continue to shape an inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital future. Reflecting on India’s long-standing engagement with the organisation, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin remarked that “India is a valuable partner in ITU, having served as a Council Member since 1952.”

Indian Delegation

The Indian Delegation comprised of Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and senior officers from DoT’s IR Division, Policy wing, WPC, DBN and C-DOT.

 

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