India to Support ITU South Asia Office in New Delhi

The Government of India will fund a new Area Office for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to foster digital technology uptake in line with sustainable development across South Asia.

According to an ITU statement issued on March 3, the new ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre, set to open in New Delhi by the middle of this year, aims to strengthen technology cooperation and boost regional telecommunications development.

“Today’s agreement is an important step in the enduring partnership between ITU and the Republic of India, and between ITU and the South Asia sub-region,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “I’m confident that the establishment of an ITU Area Office for South Asia in New Delhi will help to push the boundaries of innovation and accelerate digital transformation for all people and communities across India, the region and beyond.”

Through a closer presence, ITU hopes to advance shared regional priorities, such as reducing disparities between developing and developed countries in terms of Internet access, digital skills, and other socio-economic indicators after the Covid-19 pandemic.

From India’s national capital, the new office will implement ITU initiatives and provide technical assistance and policy guidance on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in South Asia.