Jyotiraditya Scindia seeks Ireland’s backing for International Telecommunication Union bid as both nations deepen digital cooperation

India and Ireland on Tuesday agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and emerging digital technologies, with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia seeking Ireland’s support for India’s candidature in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Scindia led the Indian delegation during bilateral talks with Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi.

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The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks, reaffirming the warm and friendly ties between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to enhance engagement in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) through structured dialogue, exchange of best practices, capacity building, and stronger industry linkages.

They also emphasised cooperation through government-to-government, government-to-business, and business-to-business platforms to promote innovation, digital inclusion, and greater trade and investment.

Highlighting future opportunities, Scindia said India and Ireland, as innovation-driven democracies, have immense potential to collaborate in areas such as quantum communications, artificial intelligence, regulatory innovation, and rural broadband.

“We also look forward to Ireland’s support for India’s candidature at the International Telecommunication Union. Together, we can build a strong and future-ready digital partnership,” he said.

The Minister also briefed the Irish delegation on India’s digital transformation since 2014, noting that India now has over 1.23 billion telecom subscribers and nearly one billion internet users. He added that 5G services have reached about 99.9 per cent of districts, supported by among the world’s lowest data tariffs, making connectivity widely affordable.

Scindia sought Ireland’s support for India’s candidature in forthcoming ITU elections, including the nomination of M. Revathi for Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, India’s re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term, and India’s proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030.

Jack Chambers, in his remarks, highlighted Ireland’s multi-billion-euro fibre rollout project and noted the growing trade relationship between the two countries. He expressed interest in expanding ICT business opportunities and industry partnerships.

The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to building open, secure, resilient, and interoperable digital ecosystems that support innovation, economic growth, and trusted global connectivity.