India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation in next-generation digital technologies, including 6G telecommunications, with a focus on security, trust, and resilient global supply chains.
The renewed partnership reflects a shared vision to build secure, interoperable, and future-ready digital infrastructure, as highlighted in the Leaders’ Statement issued during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.
Both sides underscored the growing importance of advanced and emerging technologies under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and welcomed enhanced collaboration in areas such as telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and global standards development.
In this context, cooperation between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the European Union’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G SNS IA) has been welcomed as a key step towards aligning research and innovation priorities for secure and trusted 6G networks. The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of resilient and diversified telecom supply chains, while promoting openness, interoperability, and security in next-generation communication systems.
The joint initiative also emphasises cooperation in research and development, testing, and standardisation of 6G technologies, with both sides reiterating their objective of shaping globally interoperable standards that support innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive digital growth.
The partnership aligns with India’s national 6G vision steered by the Department of Telecommunications and aims to position the country as a global contributor and leader in the development of future communication technologies. Officials said the collaboration will help ensure secure, affordable, and sustainable digital infrastructure for citizens and industry.
The strengthened India–EU cooperation is also linked to the Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030, endorsed at the 16th India–EU Summit held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. The agenda seeks to deepen collaboration on secure digital infrastructure and trusted telecommunications ecosystems.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU’s 6G SNS IA provides a framework for cooperation on 6G vision, network architecture, use cases, and harmonised global standards for Beyond-5G and 6G technologies. It also aims to promote collaboration among Indian and European research institutions and industry stakeholders.
Earlier, global technology alliances, including Bharat 6G Alliance, 6GIA and ATIS’ Next G Alliance, issued the “New Delhi Declaration” at the International Bharat 6G Symposium 2025, outlining a shared vision to shape 6G as a global public good.
The expanding India–EU partnership in advanced telecommunications reflects a shared commitment to building a secure, trusted, and resilient global digital ecosystem, benefiting citizens, industry and the international community.
