COAI welcomes BRICS declaration on telecom connectivity, ICT security and AI
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has welcomed the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the BRICS Summit, particularly its emphasis on telecommunications, ICT security, submarine cable infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI).
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI, said the declaration’s recognition of telecommunications as vital to peace and economic development reinforces the industry’s long-standing view that connectivity is a core component of national infrastructure.
“The New Delhi Declaration’s framing of telecommunications as vital to peace and economic development reaffirms what Indian operators have long argued, that connectivity is core national infrastructure,” Kochhar said.
He also welcomed the declaration’s call for interoperable ICT security standards, noting that it aligns with the trusted-sources approach already being adopted by the telecom industry.
Kochhar further highlighted the recognition of submarine cable infrastructure as critical to network resilience, given its importance to global digital connectivity and the continuity of communications networks.
On AI, he said that the declaration’s emphasis on global cooperation around AI safety and energy efficiency was aligned with the direction of the telecom sector, as operators increasingly develop and deploy AI-native networks.
The COAI statement underscores the growing importance of resilient digital infrastructure, secure connectivity and responsible AI development as countries seek to strengthen their digital economies and technological cooperation.
