The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) and the UK-based Sonic Labs
India and the United Kingdom have agreed to collaborate on joint initiatives in telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies such as the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN). The move marks a significant development in strengthening bilateral ties in next-generation innovations.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) and the UK-based Sonic Labs. The collaboration will focus on Open RAN-related policy and technical aspects, including 5G Open RAN and AI applications in 4G and 5G networks, according to an official statement from India’s Ministry of Communications.
The agreement coincides with the visit of Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), to the UK. Mittal engaged with the UK’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to explore cooperation in telecommunications, AI, and space technology.
During his visit, Mittal met with key UK officials, including Chris Johnson, National Scientific Adviser, and Dave Smith, National Technology Adviser at DSIT. The discussions focused on emerging technologies and their applications in 5G, 6G, and digital infrastructure security. He also held talks with Geoff Huggins, Director of Scotland’s Digital Directorate, to discuss the role of telecom advancements in digital transformation.
A significant part of the visit included meetings with Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, where potential partnerships in AI-driven telecom security, ethical AI, and fostering an AI innovation ecosystem were explored. Mittal also toured Scotland’s 5G Centre at the University of Strathclyde and the 6G Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, where discussions centred on 6G innovation, future sensing technologies, and student exchange programmes to boost academic and industrial collaboration.
The two nations have also agreed to establish joint Centres of Excellence dedicated to telecom cybersecurity, AI in telecom, and digital twins. Further cooperation includes the use of mobile data for infrastructure planning, joint contributions to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards for IMT 2030 (6G), and the promotion of India’s indigenous 4G and 5G stack developed by C-DoT.
These initiatives underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and the UK in critical technology sectors. The collaboration reflects both countries’ commitment to innovation and digital transformation, paving the way for future advancements in the global technology landscape.
