PM Modi inaugurates India Mobile Congress 2026 in Delhi, says 5G network now spans the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, inaugurated India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, described as the country's biggest technology and telecom event. The 10th edition of IMC is being held at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi from October 7 to 10.

At the inauguration, Modi first thanked the public. He said today was a special day for India. He also recalled that he completed 25 years of service to the nation yesterday. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to actor Nana Patekar.

Modi said that over the past 10 to 12 years the mobile phone has emerged as a means of governance and has been the foundation of Digital India. According to him, mobile phones today are bringing good education to children and the poor even in remote villages. Work and studies continued through mobiles during the Covid-19 pandemic as well, because new technology made it possible. Children in far-off villages can now benefit from digital learning. The Prime Minister also mentioned the DIKSHA platform built for online education.

In the early days, mobile phones were rarely seen in people's hands because it was the era of 2G. Phones had internet, but it ran very slowly. Then 3G and 4G arrived in the market, and now 5G technology has come. 5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks, offers faster network speed, uninterrupted HD browsing and better service. Modi's statement was that the digital divide was once a big challenge, but there is now a 5G network across the country.

This year's theme for India Mobile Congress is "Scale Without Boundaries". 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, satellite communications and other new technologies will be showcased. Major technology and telecom companies from around the world, startups and leading industry names are taking part.

IMC 2026 is Asia's largest technology exhibition. Big technology companies from India and abroad are presenting their products and future technologies alongside emerging startups. The event will also discuss how telecom can move from 5G to 6G.

Discussions will also be held on how to build indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) and use it in the public interest. Startups can showcase their AI products here. Some new technologies, such as smart mobility and industrial robotics, have been added this year. These technologies are expected to be used on a large scale in the coming time. Demonstrations and exhibitions have also been set up.