India and Ireland Deepen Digital and Telecom Cooperation

Both sides noted complementarities between India's scale and rapid deployment capabilities and Ireland's research driven innovation and EU aligned regulatory approach. They discussed structured collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications and the Commission for Communications Regulation, supported by academia, startups and industry, focusing on quantum communications, artificial intelligence and regulatory innovation to improve rural broadband. The Indian side sought Ireland's support for India's candidature at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) including the nomination of Ms M. Revathi and India's re election to the ITU Council for 2027–2030.

The minister outlined India's ICT transformation since 2014, noting that India has one point two three billion (1.23 bn) telecom subscribers and nearly one billion (one bn) internet users. He said 5G coverage reaches approximately 99.9 per cent of districts and that data tariffs average around Rs 0.10 per GB, supporting widespread affordable access. He highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure achievements including the Unified Payments Interface, the Direct Benefit Transfer system and initiatives such as DigiLocker and Digi Yatra.

Jack Chambers outlined lessons from Ireland's National Broadband Plan and referenced a multi bn euro fibre rollout that aims to extend meaningful connectivity to rural and remote areas while noting the contribution of the Indian community to Ireland's economy and innovation. Both sides agreed to closer engagement through structured exchanges, capacity building and industry linkages via G2G, G2B and B2B dialogues. They reaffirmed their commitment to open, secure, resilient and interoperable digital ecosystems to foster innovation and trusted global connectivity.