India Will Become Data Capital Of The World In Five Years: Telecom Minister Scindia

India is set to become the data capital of the world within five years, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Thursday.

He made this projection while speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025.

“India, I believe, in the next five years, will become the data capital of the world,” he said.

Rapid Growth In Telecom Subscriber Base

Scindia said the country is driving a digital-first economy. He added that the telecom revolution is at the centre of this transformation.

India’s telecom subscriber base has grown from 800 million ten years ago to 1.2 billion now.

With this, India has become the second-largest mobile market. He also said broadband connections have touched 940 million.

“Eleven years ago, 1 GB of data cost ₹287. Today, it costs ₹9. That’s a 97% drop in the cost of communication,” Scindia said, as reported by PTI.

Sanchar Mitra Scheme Launched

The government has launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme to link citizens with telecom services. It aims to improve engagement between the public and the telecom industry.

When asked about satellite-based communication services, Scindia said telecom companies must decide the next steps.

They can proceed once they receive permission from the government.

He stated that the government will issue licences to firms that meet the conditions.

Two companies have already qualified, and a third is close to approval.

Scindia confirmed that the government remains committed to licence issuance.

Once companies get spectrum, they must follow TRAI’s rules and plan their operations.

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