Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a community event in Melbourne, Australia, announced that India is rapidly advancing its 'Made in India' 6G technology, positioning the nation at the forefront of global telecommunications innovation. This comes after significant milestones in India's digital infrastructure rollout.
India's 5G and Digital Growth
PM Modi highlighted that India has become the world's second-largest 5G market. He stated, 'Today, India has become the world's second-largest 5G market. India is rapidly working on 'Made in India' 6G technology.'
Over the past 12 years, India's metro network has expanded to over two dozen cities. 'Today, over 12.5 million people travel by metro in India daily. India possesses the third-largest metro network in the world. We are rapidly expanding semi-high-speed networks in India, such as the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Vande Bharat,' PM Modi said.
Startup Ecosystem and Defense Reforms
Deregulation in sectors like defense and aerospace has spurred entrepreneurship. 'Today, India has more than 200,000 registered start-ups. More than 4,000 new start-ups are being registered every month in India. Hundreds of start-ups are also working in sectors such as defence and space,' PM Modi noted.
He linked domestic growth to international partnerships, particularly with Australia. 'These sectors were opened to private entrepreneurship only a few years ago, and today, India's first private space start-up is set to launch a satellite on its own rocket very soon. Over the past twelve years, India has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem... And now, an Indian space startup is poised to launch a satellite using its own rocket for the very first time. I am delighted that the partnership between India and Australia in the realms of education, skills, and innovation is deepening and strengthening.'
India-Australia Trade Agreement
PM Modi emphasized the benefits of bilateral trade, stating, 'Whatever India and Australia do proves beneficial for both nations. The India-Australia Trade Agreement is a prime example of this.' The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completed four years since signing on April 2, 2022, enhancing trade flows and industry linkages.
Following the agreement, Indian exports to Australia rose from USD 4 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 8.5 billion in FY 2024-25. Total bilateral trade reached USD 24.1 billion during 2024-25, with Indian exports growing 8 per cent over the previous year. For FY 2025-26, total trade reached USD 19.3 billion by February.
