New Delhi: Union Communications Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday led bilateral talks with Irish Minister Jack Chambers in New Delhi to strengthen the India–Ireland digital partnership in telecom and emerging technologies.
The meeting took place at Sanchar Bhawan and included senior officials from India’s Department of Telecom and the Irish government. Both sides discussed cooperation in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, regulatory collaboration and future technologies.
The leaders charted a roadmap to expand the India–Ireland digital partnership in areas such as quantum communications, artificial intelligence and rural broadband. They also explored structured engagement between India’s Department of Telecom and Ireland’s Commission for Communications Regulation.
Shri Scindia highlighted India’s rapid ICT transformation since 2014. He said India now has over 1.23 billion telecom subscribers and nearly a billion internet users. He added that 5G services cover about 99.9 percent of districts, supported by data tariffs averaging around USD 0.10 per GB.
He underscored India’s progress in Digital Public Infrastructure, citing Unified Payments Interface and Direct Benefit Transfer systems. He also highlighted initiatives such as DigiLocker, Digi Yatra and Sanchar Saathi, including CEIR and ASTRA modules.
ITU cooperation central to India–Ireland digital partnership
Shri Scindia sought Ireland’s support for India’s candidature in upcoming International Telecommunication Union elections. He requested backing for Ms. M. Revathi’s candidature as Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, India’s re-election to the ITU Council for 2027–2030 and India’s proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030.
Mr. Jack Chambers shared insights into Ireland’s National Broadband Plan and its multi-billion-euro fibre rollout project. He said the initiative aimed to deliver universal and affordable connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas.
The Irish Minister acknowledged the Indian community’s contribution to Ireland’s economy and innovation ecosystem. He also expressed interest in expanding ICT trade and industry partnerships between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through structured G2G, G2B and B2B dialogues. They reaffirmed their commitment to open, secure and interoperable digital ecosystems.
Officials said the discussions strengthened the India–Ireland digital partnership and reinforced collaboration within the ITU framework.
