Telecom exports surge 72pc as india fast-tracks self-reliance and global 5G leadership

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 17, 2025

India’s telecom sector has emerged as a powerful engine of export-led growth, with outbound shipments rising by an impressive 72 per cent over the last five years, underscoring the country’s rapid march towards self-reliance and global leadership in next-generation connectivity. Union Minister for Communications , Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, presented the data in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, highlighting the twin successes of export growth and stable imports.

According to the figures shared by the Minister, India’s telecom exports climbed from ₹10,000 crore in 2020–21 to ₹18,406 crore in 2024–25, while imports have remained capped at around ₹51,000 crore during the same period. The trend, he said, reflects the structural strengthening of India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem and the growing global acceptance of Indian-made telecom products and solutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is no longer just meeting its own telecom needs but is steadily positioning itself as a reliable supplier to global markets.

Scindia also highlighted the country’s rapid strides in 5G deployment, calling it a cornerstone of India’s digital transformation. Out of 778 districts nationwide, 767 have already been connected to the 5G network, marking one of the fastest rollouts globally. India currently has around 36 crore 5G subscribers, a figure projected to rise to 42 crore by 2026 and scale up dramatically to nearly 100 crore by 2030, reflecting strong consumer adoption and expanding digital use cases.

Touching upon satellite communications, the Minister noted that SATCOM is critical for connecting remote and geographically challenging regions where conventional BTS infrastructure, optical fibre or broadband connectivity is not feasible. In line with this, the government has taken decisive steps to ensure SATCOM services reach every corner of the country, reinforcing the objective of providing a comprehensive bouquet of telecom services to all citizens at competitive price points.

Scindia said the SATCOM policy framework is firmly in place, with spectrum slated for administrative assignment. Three licences have already been issued to global and domestic players — Starlink, OneWeb and Reliance—signalling India’s readiness to open up this strategic segment. However, he clarified that two key steps remain before commercial services can begin. These include the finalisation of administrative spectrum charges by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the completion of mandatory security clearances by enforcement agencies.

To expedite the process, operators have been provided sample spectrum to conduct demonstrations and compliance activities. Once they meet all prescribed security norms, including hosting international gateways within India, the necessary approvals will be granted, paving the way for nationwide SATCOM rollout.

With exports surging, imports under control and next-generation networks expanding at scale, India’s telecom sector is increasingly being seen as a symbol of technological confidence, manufacturing strength and global ambition.