The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹203 crore for the 2026–31 period, to strengthen India’s role in global telecom standard-setting and support the transition to 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies.
The scheme is a strategic intervention designed to elevate India’s influence in international telecom bodies like the ITU, 3GPP, and oneM2M. By providing financial support for technical contributions and leadership roles in global study groups, the TDIP aims to ensure that future 5G-Advanced and 6G standards are influenced by Indian innovation and indigenous Intellectual Property (IP).
The guidelines also expand the beneficiary base to include startups, MSMEs, academia, and research institutions, recognising that innovation relevant to 6G ecosystems is increasingly distributed across smaller and specialised actors. In parallel, the scheme introduces funding support for pilot projects and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) deployments, aiming to translate laboratory research into deployable technologies aligned with global standards.
Implementation will be supported by institutions such as TSDSI, TCIL, and Telecom Centres of Excellence, creating an integrated ecosystem that connects domestic R&D with international standard-setting processes. The scheme is aligned with broader national initiatives, including the Bharat 6G Mission and the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), reinforcing India’s ambition to transition from a technology adopter to a contributor in global telecom architectures.
Key Features of the Revised TDIP Scheme
Financial Outlay: ₹203 crore committed for a five-year cycle (2026–2031).
Global Influence: Support for Indian stakeholders to take leadership roles in international bodies and host global standardization events in India.
Ecosystem Expansion: Direct participation pathways for startups and MSMEs to integrate their technologies into global standards.
Bridge to Deployment: Funding for technology demonstrations and pilots to accelerate the commercialization of indigenous telecom products.
Institutional Support: Coordination through Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE).
Synergy with National Missions: Aligned with the Bharat 6G Mission and the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).
What is "Telecom Standardisation"?
Telecom standardisation is the process of creating a common set of technical rules (standards) that allow different devices and networks from around the world to talk to each other. For example, your phone works in another country because of global standards like 5G. Traditionally, these rules were written by companies in Europe, the US, and China.
Under the TDIP Scheme, India wants its own engineers and startups to write these rules. By contributing "Indian IP" to global standards, India ensures that its specific needs (like rural connectivity) are met and that Indian companies can collect royalties from their patents used worldwide.
Policy Relevance
Reduces Import Dependency: By setting global standards, India can ensure that its domestic manufacturers are not "locked out" by foreign proprietary technologies, fostering the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in telecom.
Captures the 6G Value Chain: The ₹203 crore investment acts as seed capital to ensure India captures a significant share of the future 6G economy, estimated to be worth trillions globally by 2030.
Empowers the Startup Ecosystem: Including startups in the TDIP framework allows small Indian innovators to sit at the same table as global giants, providing them a platform to scale their intellectual property (IP)internationally.
Strengthens Digital Diplomacy: Hosting international standardization events and leading ITU study groups enhances India's "soft power" in the global technology governance landscape.
Accelerates Rural Connectivity: By driving standards for 5G-Advanced and 6G that prioritize high-coverage, low-cost solutions, India can more effectively bridge the internal digital divide.
Follow The Full News Here: Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Releases Revised TDIP Guidelines