The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a premier Government of India R&D institution under the Ministry of Communications, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to strengthen the bank’s IT infrastructure and accelerate its technology transformation.

As digital technologies evolve rapidly, innovations in payments, blockchain, artificial intelligence, IoT and cloud computing have the potential to reshape financial systems, enhance accessibility and promote economic inclusion. Digital financial inclusion is seen as a key driver of socio-economic growth and, when combined with technological innovation, contributes to the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Viksit Bharat”.

Under the MoU, C-DOT will provide specialised IT products and services to enable faster deployment of advanced, indigenous solutions tailored to PNB’s requirements. Key initiatives include leveraging telecom infrastructure for secure digital transactions, establishing robust cybersecurity frameworks, and offering a comprehensive suite of solutions covering switching and routing, wireless technologies, software applications, AI, quantum communication and ongoing maintenance. These solutions will ensure secure, scalable, and regulatory-compliant IT capabilities aligned with PNB’s strategic priorities.

The signing ceremony at C-DOT Headquarters, New Delhi, was attended by senior officials from both organisations. PNB was represented by Shri Manish Agrawal, GM; Shri Surendra Vishwakarma, GM; and Shri Manish Sharma, DGM, among others. C-DOT was led by Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO; Dr Pankaj Kumar Dalela, EVP1; Ms Shikha Srivastava, EVP2; Shri Rajeev Kumar, Registrar; and Shri Mahinder Singh, CFO.

Shri Manish Agrawal, GM-IT, PNB, said:

“This strategic partnership with C-DOT marks a milestone in PNB’s IT transformation. Leveraging C-DOT’s expertise, we will enhance customer touchpoints, accelerate modernisation, and deliver secure, seamless digital banking across India.”

Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, added:

“Collaboration with PNB is a vital step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, providing secure, efficient, and digitally inclusive financial services. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.”

Over the past four decades, C-DOT has been a key driver of India’s telecom revolution, extending connectivity to rural areas, powering the BharatNet (NOFN) project, and delivering solutions in cybersecurity, disaster management, 4G/5G networks, AI, IoT/M2M applications and network management. The organisation is also exploring 6G use cases, aligning with India’s ambition to lead in next-generation connectivity.

PNB, one of India’s largest public sector banks, offers a wide range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses, with a strong domestic presence and select international operations. The bank actively participates in government initiatives to promote financial inclusion.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen digital banking, foster innovation, and support sustainable development, in line with the Government of India’s Digital India vision and the broader goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.