At the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU WTSA), Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in positioning India as a global manufacturing and service hub.
He stated, “With AI, India can completely revolutionize its manufacturing sectors, including small and medium enterprises, enabling the country to emerge as a modern factory and service center for the world. AI is essential for achieving our vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Therefore, under your leadership, India must adopt a comprehensive AI strategy focused on maximizing Atma Nirbhar efforts.”
During his speech, Ambani expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, noting, “Prime Minister Modi, it is through your guidance that the India Mobile Congress has gained prominence, establishing itself as a key platform for digital innovation and collaboration.”
He highlighted the rapid digital transformation in India, saying, “In Modi’s India, there is no business as usual. Instead, we see an unprecedented synergy between government and industry, delivering world-class services to meet the expectations of 1.45 billion Indians. As a representative of young India, I thank you for your connection with the youth and for inspiring us to pursue ambitious goals. As we say in Hindi, ‘Modi hai toh mumkin hai.'”
Ambani praised India’s telecommunications achievements, remarking, “The world marvels at a nation that, just eight years ago, was struggling with 2G speeds and is now racing ahead on the 5G highway.” He assured the Prime Minister that India would excel in 6G, stating, “From being ranked 155th in mobile broadband adoption, we have become the world’s largest data market.”
He also emphasized the inclusivity of India’s digital transformation, stating, “Modiji has ensured that innovation leads to greater inclusion. He has democratized digital technology, bringing benefits to the last mile and leaving no one behind. India’s digital revolution has reached even the most remote areas, incorporating 530 million ‘unbanked’ Indians into the financial system through the PM’s Jan-Dhan Yojana.”
Ambani made two key suggestions to the Prime Minister: first, he called for urgent action to embrace AI, which he termed “the most revolutionary tool of transformation.” Second, he urged the government to expedite updates to the 2020 draft of the data center policy to ensure that Indian data remains within India.
He remarked, “Indian mobile companies, along with a thriving ecosystem, are well-positioned to offer solutions to the world, including developed nations.”
Additionally, Ambani stressed the importance of generating talent to establish India as a global AI leader, noting, “Some existing jobs will evolve, creating exciting new employment opportunities.” He concluded by promising that India would lead in mobile innovation and fully harness the power of AI to create a connected, intelligent future that is transformative for all Indians.