Matribhumi Samachar English
Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia today inaugurated CISCO India’s Manufacturing Facility at Sriperumbudur. The manufacturing launch was in collaboration with M/s Flex India. Chuck Robbins, CISCO Chair & CEO was present on the occasion. He also visited the campus of Nokia Solutions & Networks and IIT Madras during his visit to Chennai
Today’s Chennai visit gives impetus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India.” It aligns with India’s push for localized manufacturing & 5G applications, particularly in the telecom and networking space.
Inauguration of CISCO’s Manufacturing Facility at Sriperumbudur
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 Cisco, as it is one of the beneficiaries under PLI scheme of DoT.
During the occasion, the 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.
Visit to Nokia Solutions & Networks
Shri Scindia then visited the campus of Nokia Solutions & Networks in Chennai, where he 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). Commenting on his visit, 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.
Visit to IIT Madras
The final leg of Minister’s Chennai visit was at IIT Madras, witnessing the indigenous first-of-its-kind 5G Testbed Project. The Researchers from the 5G Testbed Project at IIT Madras demonstrated very high-speed communications (1 Gbps) using base stations and technology developed indigenously.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has funded a large scale 5G testbed project located at IIT Madras and involving eight R&D institutes to encourage Indian start-ups and the industry to take an early lead in 5G.
Addressing the faculty and students, the Minister promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with them 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.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, highlighted the commitment of Higher Educational Institutions to Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by exploring and developing new age technologies. He pointed out the 5G project as a significant effort in this direction.
The Chennai visit attested the widespread support given by the Department of Telecommunications to industry and academic institutions alike through a host of benefits under PLI, funding for 5G development etc., DoT is committed to create an enabling environment through progressive policies, transparent regulations, ease of doing business and world-class infrastructure.
