Thank you Madam Chair, 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,  

Warm Greetings from India. 

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary General, H.E. MR. Houlin Zhao for presenting a well analyzed and informative report for the 6^th World Telecommunication Policy Forum (WTPF). 

Telecommunication/ICT has emerged as the foundation of the global economy, and more importantly during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. I wish to place on record the enormous contribution of ITU, in the promotion and development of telecommunication/ICTs. 

Her Excellency/Madam Chair, 

Telecommunications and ICTs are crucial tools for enabling inclusive growth and stimulation of national economies. India is home to over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers with one of the lowest mobile internet tariffs. Government of India is implementing Bharatnet – one of the world’s largest rural optic fibre network, aiming to connect nearly 600,000 villages with broadband, facilitating digital inclusion and empowerment.  

India’s National Unique Identification System – Aadhaar has enrolled 1.3 billion persons. This coupled with 1.2 billion mobile phones and opening of bank accounts for 440 million unbanked persons has given a big boost for India’s financial agenda. Our Universal Payment Interface (UPI) has enabled 4186.48 million transactions amounting Rs. 7684.4 million during last month. India is also home of a very strong start up and innovator community, and we are closely working with them to solve technological challenges to attain SDGs.  

WTPF provides a good platform for deliberation of new and innovative ideas, and building a broad consensus on policies. Draft opinions generated by the Informal Expert Group complement the efforts for sustainable development as envisaged by WSIS. Draft opinions on AI, IoT, 5G, Big Data, OTTs etc. are very relevant needing due consideration from all. These technologies should address societal challenges faced by citizens in finance, agriculture, health and education, delivering excellent social and economic returns. India believes that new technologies must address digital inclusion effectively, which is crucial for financial and economic inclusion of the poor and vulnerable.   

The report placed by Secretary General will help all nations in formulating enabling policies and appropriate adoption of the new and emerging technologies to attain SDGs. 

India assures ITU of its support and looks forward to constructive deliberations during the coming three days. 

Thank you.