The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications and the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on joint studies, research and technical contributions in advanced telecommunications and global standardisation. The agreement was executed on 23 February 2026 at IIT Kharagpur and establishes a formal framework for joint work on future network technologies. The arrangement is intended to accelerate India specific standard development and strengthen indigenous research, design and manufacturing in telecom.\n\nThe collaboration will focus on exploration of sixth generation (6G) architecture and enabling technologies, optical communication systems and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including satellite and high altitude platform solutions. Joint work will also address passive optical network technology, advanced antenna systems and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technologies for fifth generation (5G) and future wireless networks. Research and development will include artificial intelligence enabled telecom systems and electromagnetic field (EMF) monitoring solutions with smart internet of things sensor development through safety laboratory frameworks.\n\nTEC and IIT Kharagpur plan to contribute to pre-standardisation and standardisation activities at international forums such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU T). The partnership aims to enhance India influence in global standardisation processes, support national working groups and increase technical inputs from domestic institutions. Emphasis will be placed on developing test frameworks and home grown solutions that bolster national self reliance and secure critical communications infrastructure.\n\nThe memorandum was signed by senior officials from both organisations in the presence of institute and department leadership and technical experts, creating channels for continued collaboration on research projects and standardisation contributions. The work is expected to deliver disaster-resilient emergency connectivity solutions, regulatory compliance tools and manufacturing ready technologies that reduce dependence on imports. TEC will continue to represent India in international fora while working with the institute to translate research into standards and practical deployments.