The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), the International Telecommunication Union’s flagship development forum, concluded recently in Baku, Azerbaijan. Held once every four years, the conference sets global priorities for digital development and saw participation from around 2,300 delegates, including more than 65 ministers and heads of agencies. India participated under the leadership of Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, and played a strong strategic role throughout the event. The Minister delivered India’s High-Level Policy Statement, outlining national priorities on universal connectivity, sustainable digital transformation and the use of emerging technologies for inclusive growth. India assumed several leadership positions at WTDC-25. Mr Avinash Agarwal (DDG-IR) served as Vice-Chair of the Conference, Chair of the APT-WTDC-25 Coordination Group and Chair of the Ad Hoc Group on Digital Transformation and Innovation. India also secured two Vice-Chair roles in the ITU-D Study Groups for 2026–29 through Mr Sunil Kumar Singhal and Mr Sandeep Kumar Gupta. India’s active engagement enabled the successful adoption of 19 APT Common Proposals, where India served as lead or assisting lead. The delegation held 11 ministerial-level bilateral meetings and interacted with more than 50 countries on key areas of cooperation. India also formally introduced Ms M. Revathi as its candidate for the post of Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR) of the ITU. Indigenous C-DOT technologies were showcased at a dedicated exhibition stall, drawing strong interest from participating nations. India also hosted a networking reception to highlight its candidature for the ITU Council (2027–2030) and to build support for Ms Revathi’s nomination. Digital Transformation and Innovation India made major contributions to WTDC Resolutions 85, 89 and 90. Resolution 85 expands Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities to include smart villages, supporting digital transformation in rural areas through IoT, capacity-building and public-private partnerships. Resolutions 89 and 90 reinforce global innovation frameworks by strengthening the ITU-D Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance and the Global Innovation Forum. Building Confidence and Security in ICTs India guided enhancements to Resolution 45, which addresses misuse of telecom services such as voice spam and caller information manipulation, and calls for improved cyber-resilience tools for SMEs. India also supported Resolution 84, which highlights the rising challenge of mobile device theft and tampering and promotes the sharing of global best practices. Policy, Regulation, Networks and Spectrum India contributed to Resolutions 09 and 62. Resolution 09 emphasises flexible regulatory models such as sandboxes, spectrum for experimentation, and support for next-generation technologies including IMT-2030 (6G) and UAVs. It also advances guidelines on spectrum valuation, award and sharing. Resolution 62 strengthens public awareness and updated guidance on EMF exposure and safe wireless device use. Emergency Telecommunications and Disaster Management Under Resolution 34, India advocated the use of emerging ICT tools for disaster preparedness, including cell-broadcast early warning systems, alerts in local languages and GIS-based mapping of telecom infrastructure, alongside improved regional cooperation. Environment, Climate Change and Circular Economy India contributed to Resolution 66, which promotes climate-friendly ICT strategies, e-waste awareness and the reduction of ICT-related carbon footprints. Diversity and Inclusion India supported Resolution 58, focusing on accessibility and inclusion for older persons and vulnerable communities. The conclusion of WTDC-25 marks a significant milestone in India’s international telecom engagement. Through strong leadership, technical inputs and constructive diplomacy, India reinforced its position as a central contributor to global digital development. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin acknowledged India’s longstanding role, noting that the country has been a member of the ITU Council since 1952. The Indian delegation included Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications’ IR Division, Policy Wing, WPC, DBN and C-DOT.