India's Indigenous 4G Stack Export Plans: Strategic Counter to China's Digital Silk Road in Global Telecom

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the India Mobile Congress 2025 that India's indigenous 4G technology stack is now ready for export, showcasing the country's telecom self-reliance. This move aims to provide an alternative to China's Digital Silk Road expansion in developing nations, where India has joined the elite group of five countries (Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, China, and India) that have developed their own 4G stack.

Key Points

1. India has developed a full indigenous 4G stack with C-DoT for core network, Tejas Networks for radio access network, and TCS for system integration, which is now upgradable to 5G.
2. This technology has been deployed by BSNL, with 1 lakh mobile towers installed, providing fast internet, reliable services, and seamless connectivity.
3. India is now the world's second-largest telecom market and 5G market, where 1 GB data costs less than a cup of tea, reflecting a 127-fold increase in mobile phone exports over the past 10 years.
4. The export ambition counters China's Digital Silk Road, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which exports Chinese 5G, fiber optics, and data centers to developing countries.
5. Digital Silk Road aims to boost market share for Chinese tech firms like Huawei and ZTE, but India's 4G stack offers an alternative for digital sovereignty and reducing foreign dependence.
6. Globally, India's stack will enhance national security by protecting against cyber threats and boosting domestic chip production, set to begin by late 2025.
7. This initiative supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiding growth in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and semiconductors.
8. Experts suggest India's exports will target Africa and Asia, where Digital Silk Road has created dependencies, serving as a source of foreign exchange.

Explained

What is India's 4G Technology Stack and How Was It Developed?

Definition and Components: The 4G stack is a set of telecom hardware and software that powers mobile networks, including core network (for data management), radio access network (for signal transmission), and system integration (for unifying all parts); it enables fast internet and reliable connectivity.

Development Background: India began developing its own 4G stack under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign in 2018 to reduce reliance on foreign technology like Huawei, which poses security risks; C-DoT developed the core, Tejas the RAN, and TCS the integration.

Key Milestones: By 2025, BSNL deployed it across 1 lakh towers, making it 5G-upgradable; India now joins five nations with indigenous 4G stacks, strengthening its digital economy.

What is China's Digital Silk Road and Its Global Impact?

Definition and Objectives: The Digital Silk Road is the digital arm of the Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2015, exporting Chinese services like 5G, fiber optics, data centers, and cloud computing by firms such as Huawei; it aims to expand Chinese tech market share and enhance trade connectivity.

Global Expansion: It spans over 100 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with China investing over $100 billion; it provides affordable tech to developing nations but creates data security and dependency risks.

Impacts and Criticisms: It boosts geo-economic influence, but the US and Europe have banned Huawei over espionage fears; India banned Chinese apps in 2020 and focused on indigenous alternatives.

How Will India's 4G Stack Export Ambition Counter the Digital Silk Road?

Strategic Objectives: India's stack offers a secure alternative to Chinese tech for developing countries, promoting digital sovereignty and reducing foreign dependencies; it strengthens national security against cyber threats from Chinese equipment.

Export Plans: With chip production starting by late 2025, exports will target Africa and Asia; this will earn foreign exchange and position India as a tech exporter.

Benefits and Challenges: It promotes self-reliance but faces global competition and supply chain issues; experts note it will dilute the Digital Silk Road's geo-political influence.

What is the Background and Significance of Telecom Self-Reliance in India?

Background: India previously relied on foreign tech, but post-2020 Galwan clash, it banned Chinese equipment; Atmanirbhar Bharat prioritized 4G/5G development.

Significance: It ensures national security, creates jobs (millions in mobile manufacturing), and boosts the digital economy; low 1 GB data costs have made India the second-largest 5G market.

Future Prospects: 5G upgrades and exports will make India a global tech leader, supporting electric vehicles and renewable energy.

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