Telecom Minister’s Chennai visit gives push to ‘Make in India’ vision

Scindia inaugurated Cisco manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur, and visited Nokia Solutions & Networks campus and 5G testbed at IIT Madras

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated Cisco India’s manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The minister also visited the campus of Nokia Solutions & Networks and IIT Madras during his visit to Chennai, which gives impetus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’. The development aligns with India's push for localized manufacturing and 5G applications, particularly in the telecom and networking space.

The Cisco facility will be instrumental in producing advanced telecom and networking equipment, which is essential for 5G and future technologies and in reducing import dependence. Flex India collaborated for building this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for the US multinational technology conglomerate, as it is one of the beneficiaries under PLI scheme of Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The telecom minister called Cisco’s project “as a union between Bharat’s prowess in engineering capabilities and USA’s tremendous innovative capabilities.” He further said that the manufacturing facility represents India’s cultural, spiritual and economic awakening on the world stage and exhorted Cisco to be a partner in India’s telecom manufacturing zone.

This facility will help in reducing dependence on imports and enhance India’s capability to produce world-class products and export them to different countries. Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO was present on the occasion.

At the Nokia Solutions & Networks campus in Chennai, Scindia witnessed the innovative applications of advanced Industry 4.0 technologies that are driving innovation in telecom manufacturing. During the visit, the minister was given a comprehensive tour showcasing advanced technologies such as private wireless, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). The minister highlighted the importance of Industry 4.0 for high-tech telecom manufacturing and lauded Nokia’s commitment to fostering world-class manufacturing in India.

During the final leg of his Chennai visit at IIT Madras, Scindia witnessed the indigenous first-of-its-kind 5G testbed project. The researchers from the project at IIT Madras demonstrated very high-speed communications (1 Gbps) using base stations and technology developed indigenously.

The Department of Telecommunications has funded this project, involving eight R&D institutes to encourage Indian start-ups and the industry to take an early lead in 5G.

The telecom minister promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with the faculty and students for their projects. He said, “My students, the youth of our country are at the forefront of India’s technological and economic transformation. Initiatives like the indigenous 5G testbed project here at IIT Madras are not only a testament to India’s growing innovation capabilities but is also a vital step towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world. By harnessing the potential of our young talent, we are driving towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat—self-reliant and globally competitive.”