India and Ireland Deepen Digital and Telecom Cooperation

20 Feb 2026 CW Team

Both sides noted complementarities between India's scale and rapid deployment capabilities and Ireland's research driven innovation and EU aligned regulatory approach. They discussed structured collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications and the Commission for Communications Regulation, supported by academia, startups and industry, focusing on quantum communications, artificial intelligence and regulatory innovation to improve rural broadband. The Indian side sought Ireland's support for India's candidature at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) including the nomination of Ms M. Revathi and India's re election to the ITU Council for 2027–2030.

The minister outlined India's ICT transformation since 2014, noting that India has one point two three billion (1.23 bn) telecom subscribers and nearly one billion (one bn) internet users. He said 5G coverage reaches approximately 99.9 per cent of districts and that data tariffs average around Rs 0.10 per GB, supporting widespread affordable access. He highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure achievements including the Unified Payments Interface, the Direct Benefit Transfer system and initiatives such as DigiLocker and Digi Yatra.

Jack Chambers outlined lessons from Ireland's National Broadband Plan and referenced a multi bn euro fibre rollout that aims to extend meaningful connectivity to rural and remote areas while noting the contribution of the Indian community to Ireland's economy and innovation. Both sides agreed to closer engagement through structured exchanges, capacity building and industry linkages via G2G, G2B and B2B dialogues. They reaffirmed their commitment to open, secure, resilient and interoperable digital ecosystems to foster innovation and trusted global connectivity.

India and Ireland held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi in which the Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, led the Indian delegation and Jack Chambers led the Irish delegation. The meeting at Sanchar Bhawan sought to deepen cooperation in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies and regulatory collaboration. Senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications and Ireland's Commission for Communications Regulation attended to chart a roadmap for future networks. Both sides noted complementarities between India's scale and rapid deployment capabilities and Ireland's research driven innovation and EU aligned regulatory approach. They discussed structured collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications and the Commission for Communications Regulation, supported by academia, startups and industry, focusing on quantum communications, artificial intelligence and regulatory innovation to improve rural broadband. The Indian side sought Ireland's support for India's candidature at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) including the nomination of Ms M. Revathi and India's re election to the ITU Council for 2027–2030. The minister outlined India's ICT transformation since 2014, noting that India has one point two three billion (1.23 bn) telecom subscribers and nearly one billion (one bn) internet users. He said 5G coverage reaches approximately 99.9 per cent of districts and that data tariffs average around Rs 0.10 per GB, supporting widespread affordable access. He highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure achievements including the Unified Payments Interface, the Direct Benefit Transfer system and initiatives such as DigiLocker and Digi Yatra. Jack Chambers outlined lessons from Ireland's National Broadband Plan and referenced a multi bn euro fibre rollout that aims to extend meaningful connectivity to rural and remote areas while noting the contribution of the Indian community to Ireland's economy and innovation. Both sides agreed to closer engagement through structured exchanges, capacity building and industry linkages via G2G, G2B and B2B dialogues. They reaffirmed their commitment to open, secure, resilient and interoperable digital ecosystems to foster innovation and trusted global connectivity.

Infrastructure Urban

20 Mar 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Resort In Lonavala Maharashtra

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) has signed a licence agreement for Lemon Tree Resort in Lonavala, Maharashtra, with the asset to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of LTHL. The resort will offer 50 well appointed rooms and will include a restaurant, banquet, meeting room, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. The company described the addition as part of its strategy to expand branded resort offerings in key getaway destinations. Lonavala, located in the Sahyadri hills, is a popular leisure destination in western India known for scenic landscapes and a ..

Infrastructure Urban

20 Mar 2026

Kalai Chettinad Art And Architecture Festival At The Lotus Palace

The Lotus Palace Chettinad will host Kalai, the Chettinad Art and Architecture Festival, a four-day, three-night immersive celebration of the artistic legacy of Chettinad from three to six April 2026. The event has been organised by Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) and will take place across restored heritage properties in Chettinad. It will be designed to offer guests a layered experience of place, structure and story that connects art, architecture and living traditions. The festival aims to present a confluence of global influences and local aesthetics. Kalai has been curated i..

Infrastructure Energy

20 Mar 2026

SJVN Reaches One bn Units At 1,000 MW Bikaner Solar Project

SJVN Limited (SJVN) has reached a milestone with its 1,000 megawatt (MW) Bikaner Solar Power Project by generating one bn units of electricity on 20 March 2026. The achievement underscores the company's role in supplying clean and sustainable energy to the national grid. The generation milestone was recorded within months of the project commencing operations and highlights rapid performance from the new facility. The Bikaner project, located in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, has been developed and implemented by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) under the Central Public Sector Undertaking Schem..