India-UK Strengthen Ties in Telecom, AI & Space Collaboration

22 Feb 2025 CW Team

During the visit, the Secretary met with Mr. Chris Johnson, National Scientific Adviser, and Mr. Dave Smith, National Technology Adviser of DSIT. Discussions focused on emerging technologies, including 5G, 6G, and digital infrastructure security. Additionally, the Secretary met Mr. Geoff Huggins, Director of the Digital Directorate, Government of Scotland, to discuss telecom security, digital transformation, and innovation in telecom technologies.

Federated Telecom Hubs & AI Innovations The Secretary toured one of the six Federated Telecom Hubs (FTH) in the UK, specialising in Cloud and Distributed Computing (CHEDDAR). This hub spearheads research in 6G distributed cloud, AI for 6G, green 6G, and advanced sensing technologies. Furthering AI collaboration, the Secretary met Ms. Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, to discuss digital twins, AI-driven telecom security, ethical AI, and fostering an AI innovation ecosystem.

Advancing 6G & Research Collaborations The Secretary also visited Scotland’s 5G Centre at the University of Strathclyde and the 6G Research Centre at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering. These visits focused on collaborative research in 6G innovations, future sensing technologies, technology exchange (5G stack), and student exchange programs. The Scotland 5G Centre also showcased a remote dental surgery demonstration using 6G technology.

UK-India Telecom Roundtable & MoU Signing A high-profile UK-India Telecom Roundtable was organised by the High Commission of India (HCI) and UK Technology Innovation Network (UKTIN). The event, aligned with the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), included key stakeholders from DSIT, BT, Ericsson, SONIC Labs, UK Telecom Labs, TITAN, JOINER, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Innovate UK.

During the roundtable, Dr. Neeraj Mittal highlighted India’s leadership in the telecom sector and rapid advancements in next-generation networks. The event culminated in discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation, technology sharing, and innovation-led partnerships.

This visit underscored the growing Indo-UK strategic collaboration in telecom, AI, and space technology, paving the way for joint innovations and academic-industry partnerships.

India’s Secretary (Telecom) visited the United Kingdom to engage with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and explore collaboration opportunities in next-generation telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and space technology. The visit reinforced Indo-UK partnerships in these cutting-edge fields. During the visit, the Secretary met with Mr. Chris Johnson, National Scientific Adviser, and Mr. Dave Smith, National Technology Adviser of DSIT. Discussions focused on emerging technologies, including 5G, 6G, and digital infrastructure security. Additionally, the Secretary met Mr. Geoff Huggins, Director of the Digital Directorate, Government of Scotland, to discuss telecom security, digital transformation, and innovation in telecom technologies. Federated Telecom Hubs & AI Innovations The Secretary toured one of the six Federated Telecom Hubs (FTH) in the UK, specialising in Cloud and Distributed Computing (CHEDDAR). This hub spearheads research in 6G distributed cloud, AI for 6G, green 6G, and advanced sensing technologies. Furthering AI collaboration, the Secretary met Ms. Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, to discuss digital twins, AI-driven telecom security, ethical AI, and fostering an AI innovation ecosystem. Advancing 6G & Research Collaborations The Secretary also visited Scotland’s 5G Centre at the University of Strathclyde and the 6G Research Centre at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering. These visits focused on collaborative research in 6G innovations, future sensing technologies, technology exchange (5G stack), and student exchange programs. The Scotland 5G Centre also showcased a remote dental surgery demonstration using 6G technology. UK-India Telecom Roundtable & MoU Signing A high-profile UK-India Telecom Roundtable was organised by the High Commission of India (HCI) and UK Technology Innovation Network (UKTIN). The event, aligned with the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), included key stakeholders from DSIT, BT, Ericsson, SONIC Labs, UK Telecom Labs, TITAN, JOINER, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Innovate UK. During the roundtable, Dr. Neeraj Mittal highlighted India’s leadership in the telecom sector and rapid advancements in next-generation networks. The event culminated in discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation, technology sharing, and innovation-led partnerships. This visit underscored the growing Indo-UK strategic collaboration in telecom, AI, and space technology, paving the way for joint innovations and academic-industry partnerships.

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

NHAI Tightens Contractor Norms to Boost Highway Quality

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised Request for Proposal (RFP) provisions to enhance the quality of highway projects, reduce delays, and lower lifecycle costs. The updates tighten contractor qualification norms, strengthen execution compliance, and increase financial transparency, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said on Wednesday.The stricter RFP clauses will ensure that only technically capable and experienced contractors are eligible for national highway projects. RFPs formally invite bids from contractors, specifying project requirements, terms, a..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

Imphal to Gain Rail Connectivity with Jiribam Line Soon

Indian Railways is advancing rapidly on the Jiribam–Imphal railway line, a landmark project set to bring train connectivity to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The 110.625 km line falls under the administrative control of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.Following the recent completion of the Bairabi–Sairang rail project, which enabled services from Aizawl (Sairang), Imphal will soon join the national rail network. During his visit to Manipur on 13 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the government is investing Rs 22 billion in the project.Currently, a 55.36 ..

Infrastructure Transport

22 Sep 2025

Adani to Double Colombo Terminal Capacity Ahead of Schedule

India’s Adani Group and its partners are set to double the capacity of the $840 million Colombo West International Terminal months ahead of schedule, despite relinquishing $553 million in U.S. funding, according to an executive at partner firm John Keells Holdings.The deepwater terminal, situated alongside a facility operated by China Merchants Port Holdings, highlights Sri Lanka’s strategic role in the contest for influence in the Indian Ocean between New Delhi and Beijing.The first phase of the fully automated terminal became operational in April 2025. The second and final phase is under..