Technology must reach all, not remain privilege of few: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, bringing together global technology leaders, policymakers, industry experts, startups, investors and innovators to showcase developments in digital connectivity and emerging technologies.
Addressing the event, PM Modi said technology should not remain a privilege limited to people with access to resources, highlighting the role of the Digital India initiative in democratising technology and bridging the digital divide.“Through the Digital India initiative, we resolved to change this situation, with the mobile phone at the centre of this transformation. This has been a major effort towards the democratisation of technology,” PM Modi said.

VIDEO | Delhi: Speaking at India Mobile Congress, PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) says, "Friends, until about a decade ago, the digital divide was a major challenge in India. Modern technology was increasingly becoming a privilege—meaning that only those who had the means could benefit from modern technology. India was moving towards such a situation. Through the Digital India campaign, we decided to change this situation, with the mobile phone at its centre. This was a major effort towards the democratization of technology. For this, all the necessary reforms were carried out in the telecom sector. Infrastructure was expanded. We focused on ensuring that mobile phones and other telecom hardware were manufactured in India itself. Friends, all these efforts made access to mobile phones and data easier and more affordable for the common citizens of India. And today, this is enhancing the ease of living for the people of India." (Source: PM Narendra Modi YT) #PMModi #IndiaMobileCongress

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 8, 2026

He said mobile phones had evolved over the past 10 to 12 years from being merely a means of communication into an important tool for good governance and had remained at the core of India's Digital India vision.The Prime Minister said the government had undertaken reforms in the telecom sector and expanded digital infrastructure to ensure wider access to technology. He also highlighted efforts to promote domestic manufacturing of mobile phones and other telecom equipment.“We also focused on ensuring that mobile phones and other telecom hardware were manufactured in India itself,” he said.
Highlighting India's progress in 5G connectivity, PM Modi said the technology had reached every district in the country. More than 5.5 lakh 5G base stations are now operational across India, while mobile internet speeds have increased tenfold compared to 2022, he said.Recalling the evolution of the India Mobile Congress, Modi said the platform had witnessed India's transformation in the telecom and digital sectors.He noted that India launched 5G from the India Mobile Congress platform in 2022. In 2023, the focus shifted from the rollout of 5G to ensuring wider “5G reach-out”, he said.The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to citizens and people across the world for their greetings on the completion of 25 years of his service as the Head of Government.
The four key pillars of IMC 2026 are Srishti: Building the Future; Samvardhan: Fueling Growth; Sashakt: Expanding Opportunities; and Suraksha: Strengthening Trust.The event focuses on innovation, next-generation digital infrastructure, technology-led economic growth, inclusive digital access and the development of secure and resilient digital ecosystems.The 2026 edition covers key sectors including 5G and 6G, next-generation AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cybersecurity, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy, ESG and electronics manufacturing.The event has also expanded its focus to four new domains — smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics and transport technology.